Brad Stevens appears to have done it again.
After an offseason defined by tough financial decisions and the departures of several key contributors, the Boston Celtics’ president of basketball operations was tasked with finding low-cost replacements who could still help the team compete. Most of the newcomers were brought in on one-year deals. In the case of Anfernee Simons, he joined via trade with just one season left on his contract.
But one signing stood out. Stevens gave Josh Minott a two-year deal—and if his first start against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday is any indication, Boston may have landed another bargain.
Josh Minott's 1st Start Exceed Expectations
Head coach Joe Mazzulla rewarded Minott for his hustle against the Detroit Pistons the night before by giving him a start against New Orleans. Minott made sure to seize the opportunity.
Right from the opening tip, he set the tone by racing to the rim for a lob dunk on the first possession of the game. From there, he spent the night flying up and down the floor, making plays on both ends.
His energy led to several highlights: two transition dunks (including one off a steal in the passing lanes), a block on a Trey Murphy three-point attempt, and a putback dunk attempt that earned him a trip to the free throw line. He stuffed the stat sheet to help power Boston to its first win of the season, finishing with a career-high 15 points, as well as nine rebounds, one steal, and one block.
The Celtics outscored the Pelicans by 42 points with Minott on the court. He became just the ninth Celtic in the play-by-play era (since 1996) to record a plus-42 or better (h/t @SeanGrandePBP).
“The Lawn Mower” Lives Up to His Nickname
Minott was the only player from Boston’s 2025 offseason class signed to a multi-year deal—a two-year, $5 million contract with a club option for 2026-27. If he continues playing anywhere near this level, that option will be an easy decision to pick up.
Minott’s nickname, “The Lawn Mower,” stems from a quote he gave during the 2022 NBA Summer League (h/t @DaneMooreNBA) when describing his never-ending motor. That quote has quickly come to life in Boston, where fans have already felt his effort and enthusiasm.
Still just 22 years old, Minott has the size and athleticism to make that energy dangerous for years to come if properly harnessed. That potential, and the work ethic behind it, is exactly what Stevens was searching for this offseason, and he even spoke candidly this summer about the financial constraints the Celtics faced and the strategy that guided his decisions.
“We’ve been limited in what tools we can use with where we are right around the second apron,” Stevens said during a press conference in July. “We’re looking for those guys on those contracts that have upside, and who are competitors, who are workers, who want to be good and haven’t hit their peak yet, but we’ve seen something in them that we think gives them a chance to be very impactful.”
Boston's Next Diamond In the Rough
Stevens’ track record of value signings continues to grow. Payton Pritchard’s and Derrick White’s deals are among the best in the league. Minott’s could soon join that list.
At just a fraction of the salary cap, the deal perfectly captures Boston’s balance between fiscal restraint and smart roster building. At a time when ownership has pushed to reduce costs, the Celtics desperately need to find low-cost contributors.
Minott is already impressing in Boston—and early signs suggest he might be the latest in a long line of sharp decisions from Stevens.