5 things we’ve learned so far in Celtics preseason
Al Horford's versatility highlights a number of encouraging developments during Celtics preseason action
COMMENTARYThe Celtics’ preseason schedule is more than halfway in the books, and Brad Stevens has his eyes on a multitude of issues as he attempts to piece together a playing rotation ahead of opening night. While some areas have already been addressed (the starting lineup appears set), there are plenty of other developments that could impact the team’s thinking ahead of the regular season opener on Oct. 26. Here’s a look at what we’ve learned so far through four preseason games. 1. Al Horford is more versatile than expected. The Celtics had matched up against the 6-foot-10 center for years in Atlanta before inking him to a four-year max contract this summer in Boston. Still, it was hard to gain a true appreciation of the 30-year-old’s skillset until his first few games in green this preseason. Whether it’s cleaning up the defensive glass, drilling an open jump shot or kickstarting a fast break in transition on his own, Horford is the kind of versatile big man that Brad Stevens has never had the ability to coach in the NBA until now. He’s nearly averaging a double-double (11.3 ppg, 8.3 rpg) while playing in just 18 minutes per game this preseason, creating a seamless transition for the new starting five, according to Isaiah Thomas.
“I think it’s harder for another guard to come in and get comfortable with the system because maybe he’s used to having the ball in certain spots,” Thomas explained. “With Al, you put him anywhere and he’s going to figure it out. He’s an ultimate pro. He’s always in the right spots. I don’t think coach has told him that he’s in the wrong spot since he’s learned the plays. That just shows his intelligence and high basketball IQ.”
2. Terry Rozier’s summer league leap has carried over
Danny Ainge was widely panned for taking the 6-foot-2 guard at No. 16 overall in the 2015 NBA Draft, but after an uneventful rookie campaign, Rozier is quieting those critics. The 22-year-old stole the show during summer league action in July by averaging 20 points per game and regularly breaking down opposing defenses. That trend has continued in the first four games of the preseason as Rozier and fellow reserve guard Marcus Smart have both filled in for departed bench playmaker Evan Turner quite reasonably.
Rozier is shooting a team-best 55.2 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from 3-point range over his first four preseason games. He won’t be able to sustain those numbers when the regular season begins, but his shooting in summer league (43% 3pt) is encouraging evidence that his jumper will be an asset when the regular season begins. When you combine those numbers with Rozier’s stellar defense, he could be a strong fixture in Brad Stevens’ rotation this season.
3. There is no clear favorite in the R.J. Hunter/James Young roster spot battle…yet
The Celtics have 16 guaranteed contracts for 15 regular season spots, which means a notable player has to be cut or traded before opening night in two weeks. The prevailing theory is that Hunter and Young are the two competing for the team’s final roster spot, seeing that they play the same position and other prospects (Demetrius Jackson, Jordan Mickey) have shown more long-term potential and progress.
Young and Hunter have each had their moments during the preseason, but neither player has separated himself from the pack yet. Shooting remains a concern for both as Young started training camp on a high note but has regressed to 38.5 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent from downtown. Hunter’s in-game numbers (30.8% FG, 20% 3pt) are even worse. Hunter’s play making ability and defensive IQ likely give him the slight edge for now, but this head-to-head battle is the one to watch over Boston’s final three preseason games.
4. Avery Bradley is turning into a capable playmaker
Over the past seven years in Boston, one name you would not expect to find on top of the team’s assist leader chart is Bradley (1.6 career assists per game). The shooting guard struggled mightily in his attempts to handle point guard duties under Doc Rivers during the Big Three era and has been cast primarily as a catch-and-shoot player since then. The 25-year-old is already known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the game, but he made it a priority to expand his offensive skillset this offseason.
“It’s something that I worked on all summer, worked on my ball-handling, decision-making,” Bradley explained last week. I wanted to improve my game; one-on-one, iso situations, whatever it is, I wanted to work on all those things so I can bring it to the team and try to help us out however I could…I think even (when I played point guard) I didn’t understand the game like I understand it now. It’s just fun playing that way, me going in with a mindset to try to make plays for others because it’s contagious. If I’m making plays for them they’re gonna make plays for me. And that’s fun basketball.”
The early results of Bradley’s changed mindset have been encouraging this preseason. He leads the team with 3.7 assists over just 23 minutes per game. The additional facet to his game should help take the onus off of Isaiah Thomas in the starting unit and create a more balanced offense.
5. Brad Stevens will continue experimenting with Jaylen Brown as a stretch 4
Joining a playoff team as a 19-year rookie is already a tough assignment, but Brad Stevens has added to that by asking Brown to play both forward positions as the head coach experiments with small-ball.
“I went into the preseason thinking if we could keep him at one spot, it’s probably better,” Brad Stevens told CSNNE after Thursday’s win over Brooklyn. “But I think that most of his value right now, and how he can add value to winning, is being a versatile player, and being able to play some three, some four guard some threes, guard some fours, switch a lot, those type of things. So we’ve thrown him to the wolves in the games a little bit at the four, but he’s done a pretty good job with that.”
Brown has understandably struggled with bigger power forwards, but he’s also exposed them with his quickness on the offensive end. If he can force opposing defenses to respect his perimeter shot, Brown could be a useful resource for Stevens right out of the gate this regular season, thanks to plays like this:
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