Dishing out first-half grades for each member of the Celtics
Payton Pritchard obviously gets an A, but what about everyone else?
COMMENTARY
The All-Star break has arrived, which means it’s an ideal time to reset, take a step back, and assess the Celtics’ play to this point.
They’re 39-16 (.709), and have been dominant in stretches, but that doesn’t tell the full story. The Celtics have lacked consistency and have oftentimes played down to the level of their opponent.
Recently, though, they’ve found a rhythm and returned to form. Boston has won seven of eight and heads into the break with momentum on its side.
With an eye toward the past, present, and future, here are grades for each member of the team so far. Think of it as how they’ve played in relation to how they were expected to play entering the year.
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum is averaging 27 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a career-high 5.6 assists this season. He currently has the fourth-best MVP odds, behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Tatum continues to take over games with his unique blend of size, strength, and finesse. The most significant development, however, is his improvement as a passer. Teams are doubling him, sometimes even tripling him, and it doesn’t seem to faze him at all.
Even with a championship to his name, Tatum probably still kicks himself when he thinks back to the 2022 NBA Finals. If he had his current level of decision-making and playmaking, there’s a good chance the Celtics would have won the series. Kudos to him for working on that element of his game and sharpening his craft every year.
Grade: A
Jaylen Brown
For most players, 22.9 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists would be a dream year. For Jaylen Brown, while he’s still been a strong No. 2 option overall, that stat line indicates a bit of a down season thus far.
Brown is shooting 46.1 percent from the floor — the lowest percentage since his rookie year — and a career-low 32.4 percent from 3-point range.
It’s worth noting that Brown has often been tasked with guarding the other team’s best player, so perhaps his taxing defensive duties are bleeding into his offensive efficiency. It’s also worth noting that 4.8 assists is a career high.
Some games, he dominates; others, he disappears. The standard is high, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Grade: B+
Kristaps Porzingis
Most Celtics fans were excited when the Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis, but it’s fair to say the majority didn’t realize just how perfect a fit it would be.
Porzingis has endeared himself to the Celtics faithful with his lighthearted personality off the court, but his competitiveness consistently shines through on it. He strikes a perfect balance between being aggressive and also realizing he has Tatum and Brown by his side. Porzingis takes Boston from great to nearly unbeatable.
His overall numbers are about on par with where they’ve been throughout his career, but his 3-point percentage (40.5) is the highest it’s ever been. Of course, the No. 1 priority for Porzingis is to stay healthy. Diving on the floor for a loose ball, like he did Wednesday against the Spurs, may not necessarily benefit him or the Celtics long term.
Grade: A-
Derrick White
After a scorching start to the season, Derrick White hit a bit of a lull in December and January. Ever since, he’s been back to his winning ways.
Fresh off a 19-point, 9-assist, 7-rebound performance against the Spurs, White is now averaging 16.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds in February, while shooting 47.1 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from distance.
He also continues to excel as a shot-blocker and on-ball defender, and his ability to alternate between point guard and shooting guard is critical. White is the glue for the Celtics, and his versatility is on display every night, regardless of whether his shot is falling.
Grade: A-
Jrue Holiday
It’s fair to say Jrue Holiday is having a bit of a down season to this point.
He’s averaging 11 points per game, which is the lowest since his rookie year, and a career-low 3.7 assists. Obviously, part of that stems from the remarkable talent he has around him, but it illuminates a larger trend.
He’s shooting just 43.8 percent from the floor and 34.2 percent from 3 – compared to 48 percent and 42.9 percent last year. Holiday deserves the benefit of the doubt, and faith from fans that he’ll turn it on when it matters most, but it would benefit the Celtics if he flips the switch sooner rather than later.
Grade: B-
Al Horford
Al Horford is the consummate professional, and his contributions go beyond statistics, yet it’s worth noting that his numbers are also down this season.
Horford, who turns 39 in June, is averaging career lows in points (7.9), rebounds (5.5), and field-goal percentage (40.4). His 3-point percentage is down to 35.3, after he shot a ridiculous 44.6 percent two years ago and 41.9 percent last season.
Volume isn’t important for Horford; it’s all about efficiency. Much like Holiday, Celtics fans can trust that he’ll be there when they need him most; at the same time, he hasn’t been playing up to his standard to this point.
Grade: B
Payton Pritchard
When it comes to expected play vs. actual play, Payton Pritchard has exceeded expectations more than anyone else on the roster so far this season.
Pritchard, currently the Sixth Man of the Year favorite, is averaging career highs in points (13.8), rebounds (3.9), and assists (3.5). Part of that comes with a career-high 27.9 minutes, but the minutes are also a result of his production.
It feels like when the Celtics are in a rut, and need a jolt, Pritchard is frequently the one to provide it. He bet on himself, and it’s easy to see why he had so much faith in his abilities. The Celtics are lucky to have him.
Grade: A
Sam Hauser
To start, it’s worth noting that Sam Hauser has the best record by a starter in NBA history (minimum 30 games), so clearly he’s doing something right.
His numbers are down across the board, but only slightly. He’s moved back up above 40 percent from 3-point range, thanks to a 48.2 percent clip in February so far. It’s been an up-and-down shooting season for Hauser, but he’s still managed to yield a winning product throughout.
Even when he’s not hitting shots, he’s a threat as a floor-spacer and has improved his driving ability. When he is making shots, he’s a weapon.
Grade: B+
Luke Kornet
One could argue that Luke Kornet is building a case as the most underrated player in the NBA.
His excellence in the pick and roll, elite hands, and terrific finishing ability make him a threat offensively. Defensively, he compensates for a lack of natural speed with intelligence and prime positioning.
Plus, he’s the ultimate vibes guy, and his Celtics teammates clearly love him. Much like Pritchard, when they’re in a funk, he’s often responsible for helping them regain their mojo.
Grade: A
Other players
Neemias Queta: While he’s shown flashes in spurts, it’s all about consistency. Improving his lateral quickness on defense would go a long way. Grade: B+
Xavier Tillman Sr.: The reality is that he’s out of the rotation and inconsistent when he does see the floor. Queta has leapfrogged him, and deservedly so. Grade: C
Jordan Walsh: Like Queta, he displays his potential in bursts but has trouble sustaining it. He seems so eager to prove he can shoot that he forgets how valuable he is in other areas. Grade: B-
Drew Peterson: He’s sneakily played pretty well in a small sample size, shooting 48 percent from the floor and 42.1 percent from 3. When they’re shorthanded, he helps fill the void. Grade: A-
JD Davison: JD Davison is an interesting one, because he’s absolutely dominating the G League (25.1 points, 7.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds) yet has looked out of sorts in the NBA. There’s a fine line between a G League star and NBA role player, and Davison may end up just below the threshold. Grade: C+
Baylor Scheierman: He’s starting to look more comfortable and has blended in over the past few games. While he’s an elite shooter, his versatility is what really sets him apart. He has a higher ceiling than many realize, and it’s up to him to prove it. Grade: B
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