Boston Celtics: What we learned from team’s first preseason game
The Boston Celtics kicked off the preseason on Sunday evening, and they rolled out a team that looks entirely different than the 2018-2019 ball club.
Fun. That’s the word being used all over social media to describe this Boston Celtics team. They look like they’re having fun again, and on Sunday night they were having a blast.
With key veteran departures, rookies were called upon and sparked the team. New addition Kemba Walker showcased a little bit of what he brings to this team. Jayson Tatum looked like he’s going to make that All-Star leap in his third season.
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Then there’s Gordon Hayward.
Hayward, who’s two years removed from one of the worst injuries the NBA has seen. He didn’t really play in the second half due to an elbow injury which is considered minor, but when he was out there, he looked good.
Slashing to the basket, taking three’s, playing with no hesitation and showcasing the largest smile C’s fans may have ever seen from him. If Gordon Hayward can really get back to that All-Star from Utah, he adds a depth to this Celtics team that makes them dangerous.
Grant Williams showcased that he’s ready for this stage, as did dynamite guard Carsen Edwards, who pulls up from three automatically and with all the confidence in the world. Of course, there was Tacko Fall, who showed that he could actually contribute very well to a team and played solid minutes.
Let’s not forget about the weak points of this team though. The center position is an issue, mainly on the defensive end. Enes Kanter will be there to clean up misses, Robert Williams will be there to catch lobs and get a few blocks.
However, it’s the weakest position for this C’s team by far. Daniel Theis sat out with an injury, and French big man Vincent Poirier didn’t play too much, although when he did he did a good job defensively.
Next. Marcus Smart heaps praise on Kemba Walker. dark
To sum it up, the Boston Celtics have a bunch of things to work on as the season inches closer, but there’s excitement around this team, and rightfully so. The Celtics are fun again, and they’re going to surprise people.