After two months of this year, it is the same. But it’s evident that this is a different squad when comparing the rosters of the Celtics from the previous few seasons to this one. Robert Williams, Grant Williams, and Marcus Smart—three players who epitomized Celtics basketball in recent years—are gone. Rather than waiting to bring in a new era, the Celtics have looked to fresh players, most notably Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
There was anticipation that Porzingis would give Boston’s offense a new facet when he was acquired by the Celtics. Expectations have been reached, if not surpassed, thus far. Porzingis is averaging 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game through his first 19 games with the Celtics. Beside Tatum and Brown in Boston, the 28-year-old is flourishing and extending the floor more than any big man the Celtics have had since the “Jays Era.” Although Porzingis has missed a few games due to injury, his absences have primarily been due to prudence.
Holiday was acquired by the Celtics just before the start of training camp this year. Nevertheless, Holiday has adapted to his new position with Boston with ease. The former NBA champion is averaging a career-high 6.6 rebounds and 12.3 points per game this season. Holiday has performed admirably in his debut season with the Celtics and is, along with Derrick White, half of what is maybe the best defensive backcourt in the league. His lack of effectiveness is the only thing that worries me about Holiday this season so far. But in his previous five games, Holiday is averaging 11.8 points while shooting 49% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc.
On the first day of the offseason this past summer, Oshae Brissett was signed by Boston. Brissett signed on as a backup player even though he had started for the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers in the past. Brissett has played in just 12 games thus far, averaging 9.4 minutes per contest. Brissett is a highly motivated backup wing for the Celtics, despite his small role. Barring injuries or trades, Brissett probably won’t see much of a larger role, but in his little time on the team thus far, he has proven his value.
Dalano Banton was brought in by the Celtics to provide their bench more size and variety. And that’s precisely what he’s done for the most part. Although Banton isn’t an especially good shooter or defender, his 6’9 frame makes him a valuable point guard in a variety of defensive scenarios. Banton hasn’t played much, with the exception of one start in Porzingis’s place. The product of Canada is averaging 2.1 rebounds and 2.8 points per game.
Steven Lamar
Similar to Banton, Lamar Stevens has only appeared in nine games and hasn’t received any playing time aside from one start. Stevens has been on the club since the beginning of the season, mostly as a reserve defensive specialist. Considering everything, Stevens has performed admirably in his limited.
Svi Mykhailiuk is only averaging 6.7 minutes per game while playing with the Celtics, having only made 10 appearances. Sharpshooter Sam Hauser presents challenge for Mykhailiuk as a three-point specialist. Despite being a useful depth player, Mykhailiuk is not anticipated to play a larger part for the Celtics.
Queta Neemias
Due to a foot ailment, Neemias Queta missed the first few weeks of the season, but he now appears to be a regular member of the Celtics lineup. Queta filled in for Porzingis and Luke Kornet during Tuesday’s overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors. In the game, Queta finished with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds in 21 minutes. Queta probably won’t play a significant part as long as Porzingis is healthy. However, the Portuguese big man has played well enough to earn more minutes in the rotation throughout the season.
As the Celtics’ only rookie from the 2023 NBA Draft, a lot of eyes are on Jordan Walsh. This is especially true after his impressive play over the summer. However, Walsh has not appeared in an NBA game this season. Though, he has technically travelled with the team a few times. Walsh has spent his rookie season up to this point in the G League with the Maine Celtics, averaging 14.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Considering Walsh was selected as a defensive-minded wing with limited offensive power, these numbers are encouraging. Still, Walsh is likely going to spend the rest of his rookie year in Maine to hone his craft and fight for a main roster spot next season.
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