Boston Celtics: Final Preseason Grades

Oct 23, 2015; Manchester, NH, USA; Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller (44) and forward David Lee (42) celebrate against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half at Verizon Wireless Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Zeller (B+) 8.4 PPG, 3.6 RBG, 5.3 FG%, 84.6 FT%

Zeller picked up where he left off last season and has likely secured a spot in the starting lineup because of it. Zeller’s stats weren’t jaw dropping, but he did not play that much this preseason (15.1 MPG). He shot the ball at a high percentage and ran the floor well, but needs to improve his rebounding. Consistency is great, but Zeller will need to showcase more not only if he wants to remain a starter.

David Lee (A-) 7.8 PPG, 7.0 RBG, 2.4 APG, 37.5 FG%

Lee has catapulted himself in Boston’s depth chart thanks to an impressive preseason. He appears to have cemented himself in Boston’s starting lineup as a point forward. The offense looked fluid as it ran through him.

Lee was a reliable scoring option and a great rebounder, proving that he has potential to remain a double-double threat. Lee would have earned a higher grade, except his shooting tapered off (5/23 in his last three games combined) after a hot stretch in Europe.

Jae Crowder (A) 8.3 PPG, 4.0 RBG, 2.3 APG, 53.8 FG%, 55.6 3PT%

This preseason Crowder lived up to the hype that earned him a contract extension this summer. Crowder’s game throughout the preseason had playoff intensity. Crowder’s defending remains his best skill, but he also showcased developments in his game.

He led the team in free throw attempts per game (3.8) and shot very well from behind the arc. With the way Crowder is playing, it looks like he might be one of Boston’s breakout players this year.

Next: The Cornerstones