Three Overreactions After Begin Of Celtics Preseason Motion

The Boston Celtics have supplied a snippet of what’s in retailer for the 2023-24 season, kicking off preseason play with three contests within the books.

With Jaylen Brown signed, just a few blockbuster additions wholesome and prepared, plus an upgraded employees to assist head coach Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics are as soon as once more holding the bar raised. Their championship window stays huge open, and this newest Jayson Tatum-Brown tandem marketing campaign may simply be the most anticipated, and that’s not simply due to Boston’s inexcusable playoff exit final season.

There’s a lot to sit up for all through Boston’s upcoming chase for Banner 18, and thus far, the preseason has confirmed simply that.

Listed below are three completely abrupt (however honest) Celtics-related reactions with lower than two weeks earlier than Opening Night time on Oct. 25 in opposition to the New York Knicks:

Kristaps Porzingis might be a game-changing slot in Boston
The Celtics had quite a few points needing to be addressed when initially coming into the offseason, and Kristaps Porzingis checks a number of packing containers.

A number of much-needed packing containers.

Forgotten up to now, the unicorn days of New York Knicks Porzingis got here to life at a number of factors up to now. Whether or not it’d be the taking pictures, rebounding or potential to push the ground in transition, there’s an excessive amount of to be enthusiastic about. Porzingis, albeit whereas scuffling with an unfavorable injury-prone popularity, has a uncommon talent package deal that not many fives within the NBA do.

That, meshed with Tatum and Brown, may make for one thing the Celtics haven’t seen since their All-Star duo was assembled in 2018.

The well being issue stays a pending one in play, however Porzingis made the proper transfer by passing up on FIBA play throughout the summer time. Thus far, no matter foot damage the 7-foot-3 veteran was recovering from forward of coaching camp, appears absolutely healed primarily based on what Porzingis has proven.

Payton Pritchard’s coming totally different in Yr No. 4, isn’t he?
All of us ought to’ve seen this coming, proper?

Once more, sure, it’s early. Sure, preseason motion solely means a lot. And sure, the protection will flip up a notch or two as quickly because the common season formally kicks off. However… Pritchard undoubtedly doesn’t look the identical as final season.

The arrogance is in place, maybe a results of signing a $30 million greenback contract extension some would think about. However whatever the supply, a snug Pritchard is already proving to be efficient — and that’s key.

With Malcolm Brogdon gone, the reserve unit wants a go-to guard to run the ground. That is the golden alternative that wasn’t possible final season, however now offers Pritchard an outlet to completely ball out and show himself.

The undersized sharpshooter has totaled 64 factors by three video games, taking pictures 52.3% from the sphere and 41.9% from 3-point territory. If a manufacturing degree alike carries its manner into the common season, Pritchard’s extension will solely age higher.

Oshae Brissett is what the Celtics have tried to draft
When the Celtics signed Oshae Brissett, presumably to play a depth-enhancing position, either side had been understood.

Nonetheless, what’s come as a shock is how a lot Brissett’s guard athleticism can translate, one thing that hasn’t been the case with previous Celtics draft picks like Romeo Langford and JD Davison.

Throughout the preseason opener in opposition to the 76ers, Brissett almost accomplished an unreal putback dunk over Philadelphia’s David Duke. It was dominated no good because of a debatable over-the-back name from the officers, however the level nonetheless stands; Brissett’s potential isn’t simply good for the postgame highlights, it may additionally play a key in holding possessions alive and boosting the reserve items total grit and depth — essential for any Celtics workforce.