Going into the NBA season, the Boston Celtics are going to look very different than the past few years. Many players were either traded or signed elsewhere in free agency, and Jayson Tatum is out with a torn right Achilles tendon. Due to the repeater tax and the second apron, the Celtics had to look for cheaper players to fill the voids in the roster.
The Celtics had some questions that fans were eager to see answered this preseason. The biggest question would be the rotation, as there are not many guarantees for playing time. Having said that, one Boston forward is making a strong case for playing time to begin the season and could force head coach Joe Mazzulla's hand if he keeps up the strong effort.
Celtics' Josh Minott Is Exceeding Preseason Expectations
When he first signed with the Celtics in free agency, not many expected Josh Minott to be more than a potential depth piece in case of injuries. After the team's first three preseason games, Minott has been one of the highlights of the games. The 22-year-old forward has been one of the most impactful defenders on the team, totaling five steals and two blocks. Rebounding has been an emphasis for Mazzulla, and Minott has been tenacious on the glass for the Celtics, with 19 rebounds in the preseason.
Minott is known for his defense and hustle plays; his offense has been surprising to see. While Minott won't be a consistent double-digit scorer, he's been solid at the rim, and his jumpshot isn't the worst. Even though he shot 32.6% from deep last season, he's a career 33.9% shooter from the arc and shot just shy of 35% from the corner last year, which is where most of his 3's would come from. Factoring in the staff and their ability to help improve people's shooting, Minott could turn into a serviceable offensive player.
Looking at how he plays, I do see shades of a former Celtic being Oshae Brissett. Brissett fits a very similar skillset with hustle plays and some offensive question marks, but Minott comes in as a stronger defender. Mazzulla could utilize Minott in a similar way he did with Brissett.
Though it's only preseason games, if Minott can transfer his play so far into the regular season, then the Celtics will have no choice other than to reward him with playing time.
You can't teach the hustle that Minott plays with, and that type of energy is needed for teams to be successful. Boston still has some holes in the front-court, and the young forward's early returns indicate that he can help be a part of the solution.