The Boston Celtics’ preseason has provided a glimpse into what the team could look like in the upcoming NBA season. With new players and some familiar faces battling for minutes, a few players have stood out for their performances—either positively or negatively. Here’s a look at three Celtics who raised their stock during the preseason and three who struggled to make an impact.
Celtics Who Boosted Their Stock:
1. Payton Pritchard: A Rising Contributor
One of the biggest winners of the Celtics’ preseason has been Payton Pritchard. After spending much of last season on the fringes of the rotation, Pritchard has taken full advantage of the opportunity to prove his worth. He showcased an expanded offensive game, excelling as both a scorer and playmaker.
Pritchard has been particularly deadly from three-point range, hitting shots with confidence and creating his own offense when needed. His hustle and tenacity on the defensive end have also been noticeable, proving he can hold his own against quicker guards. His preseason performance has likely earned him a solid spot in the rotation, and fans can expect to see more of him as the season unfolds.
2. Sam Hauser: Stepping Up as a Sharpshooter
Sam Hauser has been another standout for the Celtics this preseason. Known for his shooting ability, Hauser has consistently knocked down three-pointers, helping to space the floor for the team’s stars. Beyond his shooting, Hauser has also shown improved defensive awareness, an area that was a concern for him in previous seasons.
Hauser’s ability to fit into the Celtics’ system as a reliable bench player who can stretch defenses has bolstered his stock. While his shooting was expected, the defensive improvements are what could lead to a more significant role during the regular season.
3. Oshae Brissett: Versatility Shines
Oshae Brissett has made a strong case for more minutes with his versatile play. The forward has demonstrated an ability to contribute in multiple areas, from rebounding to defending and even scoring when needed. His energy and effort have been evident in every game, which coaches love to see.
Brissett’s hustle plays and defensive versatility have positioned him as a valuable depth option for the Celtics. While he may not start, his ability to come off the bench and impact the game in multiple ways makes him a key asset for Boston moving forward.
Celtics Who Fell Short:
1. Dalano Banton: Struggling for Consistency
Dalano Banton came into the preseason with a chance to solidify himself as a rotational player, but his performances have left much to be desired. His shooting has been erratic, and his decision-making has been questionable at times. Banton’s inability to consistently run the offense or contribute effectively on defense has hurt his chances of earning significant minutes.
Unless Banton can turn things around quickly, he may find himself on the outside looking in when the regular season begins.
2. Lamar Stevens: Fading Impact
Lamar Stevens had an opportunity to show his worth during the preseason, but he has failed to make much of an impact. Stevens, known for his defensive prowess, has not shown enough offensively to complement his defense. His limited contributions have raised doubts about his role in the team’s rotation.
If Stevens can’t find a way to contribute more effectively on both ends, he may struggle to carve out playing time in an already competitive Celtics roster.
3. Luke Kornet: Inconsistencies Exposed
Luke Kornet’s preseason performance has been marked by inconsistency. While his size and occasional shot-blocking ability are assets, his lack of mobility and struggles with perimeter defense have been exposed. Kornet has also been unreliable from beyond the arc, an area where the Celtics need more from their big men.
With the Celtics adding depth in the frontcourt, Kornet will need to improve to secure his spot in the rotation.
Conclusion:
The preseason has highlighted some key developments for the Celtics. While players like Pritchard, Hauser, and Brissett have boosted their stock with strong performances, others like Banton, Stevens, and Kornet have struggled to make an impact. As the regular season approaches, these trends will likely influenc
e the team’s rotation and overall strategy.
