Boston Celtics: Final Preseason Grades
By Andrew Fine
Oct 23, 2015; Manchester, NH, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger (7) and guard Marcus Smart (36) speak during the first half of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Verizon Wireless Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Smart (A-) 8.8 PPG, 4.4 APG, 46.9 FG%, 26.7 3PT%
Smart looked like Boston’s most improved player in the preseason. He scored more efficiently than his teammates, ran the offense, and noticeably tried to get to the foul line where he upped his free throw percentage.
We know what Smart can do on defense, but the biggest improvements needed to come from on offense. He’s more competent on offense, yet his only major weakness this preseason was his 3-point shooting (4/15). Either way, Smart is poised for a great leap this year.
Avery Bradley (A) 10.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 47.1 FG%, 52.4 3PT%
Bradley was lights out this preseason. He shot the ball tremendously well from 3-point range, specifically corner threes (7/12 per NBA.com), and in this small sample size he seems to have cut back on his long 2s.
He’s the longest tenured player on the Celtics and he’s a leader both on and off the court. He has aspirations to be named to an all-NBA defensive team and most improved. Based on his preseason performance, those goals are by no means farfetched.
Isaiah Thomas (A) 14.0 PPG, 5.4 APG, 41.0 FG%, 35.0 3PT%
Thomas is arguably the team’s best player and this season he played like one except for the last game. He led the team in points per game, assists, and oddly enough, defensive rating though I’d advise against reading too much into this. He danced around defenders like a jitterbug and provided the same scoring spark that led the team to the playoffs last year. Bottom line: different year, same Isaiah. Get excited.
Next: Team Grade