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Jordan Walsh Jordan Walsh scores 18 points in summer finale
Sun, Jul 21, 2024, 1:07 PM
Jordan Walsh finished Sunday's 103-98 loss to Philadelphia with 18 points (7-of-14 FGs), seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and four 3-pointers in 31 minutes.
Analysis: Walsh's final action in Las Vegas was good overall, as the 2023 second-round pick shot 50% from the field and made more than half of his seven 3-point attempts. Add in the rebounds and blocked shots; this was a solid way for him to head into the offseason. The turnovers (six) were problematic, but that isn't something to be too concerned about. Walsh's role in summer league did not align with his likely role once the regular season begins, as Boston will have most of its rotation from last season's title team back in uniform. Walsh's best path to consistent playing time is to defend his position well, as the Celtics have more than enough scorers. |
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Sam Hauser Sam Hauser signs 4-year, $45M extension
Sun, Jul 21, 2024, 6:18 AM
Adrian Wojnarowksi on Twitter
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Sam Hauser has agreed to a four-year, $45 million extension to remain with the Celtics.
Analysis: Hauser averaged career bests in minutes (22.0), points (9.0) and made three-pointers (2.5) in 2023-24, and he ranked 11th in the Association in three-point percentage at 42.4. |
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Anton Watson Anton Watson finishes with 15 points, full line
Wed, Jul 17, 2024, 1:29 PM
Anton Watson played 24 minutes in Wednesday's 89-84 win over Charlotte, finishing with 15 points (6-of-12 FTs), five rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and three 3-pointers.
Analysis: Watson, the 54th overall pick in last month's draft, has yet to sign a contract with the Celtics officially. Boston has one two-way and one standard contract spot available, so it remains to be seen what kind of deal he will sign. Despite the contract status, Watson appears likely to get most of his playing time with the Celtics' G League affiliate, which was the case for Drew Peterson and Jordan Walsh last season. |
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Neemias Queta Neemias Queta finishes with 22, eight rebounds
Mon, Jul 15, 2024, 6:30 PM
Neemias Queta played 25 minutes in Monday's 88-74 win over the Lakers, scoring 22 points (7-of-10 FGs, 8-of-9 FTs), eight rebounds, and three blocked shots.
Analysis: The Celtics have depth at the center position, even with Kristaps Porzingis (leg) expected to miss 5-6 months after undergoing surgery last month. Queta wasn't considered by many to be in the equation, but his play in Las Vegas may change that. After tallying 20 points and nine rebounds in Saturday's loss to the Heat, the 7-footer put up 22 and eight with three blocks against the Lakers. Queta's contract for next season is guaranteed, so he will be on the roster. As for getting the minutes needed to be relevant in fantasy leagues, Queta's best chance will be on nights when Al Horford doesn't play. |
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Jaden Springer Jaden Springer leads Celtics with 23 points
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 3:01 PM
Jaden Springer finished Saturday's loss to the Heat with 23 points (8-of-15 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), two rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three 3-pointers in 25 minutes.
Analysis: After failing to crack the Celtics rotation after being acquired at the February trade deadline, Springer aims to change that in 2024-25. The 2021 first-round pick played well on Saturday, leading the Celtics in scoring while dishing out six assists without committing a turnover. The Celtics have starters Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, and backup Payton Pritchard has also earned his opportunities. The path to a rotation spot won't be easy for Springer to travel, but days like Saturday will help. |
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Neemias Queta Neemias Queta drops 20 points, full stat line
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 2:51 PM
Neemias Queta logged 23 minutes in Saturday's loss to the Heat, amassing 20 points (9-of-15 FGs, 2-of-3 FTs), nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one blocked shot.
Analysis: Queta is looking to earn rotation minutes after only playing 28 games for the champions last season. Saturday's performance was a step in the right direction, as he was productive across the board against the Heat. Kristaps Porzingis (leg) will miss at least 5-6 months, and Al Horford did not play both ends of any back-to-backs last season. Even with the Celtics re-signing Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman, there may be times next season when Queta can offer streaming value. |
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Baylor Scheierman Baylor Scheierman hits three 3-pointers vs. Heat
Sat, Jul 13, 2024, 2:45 PM
Baylor Scheierman played 24 minutes in Saturday's 119-114 loss to Miami, finishing with 13 points (4-of-9 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers.
Analysis: Scheierman got off to a slow start in his summer debut but eventually showed the tools that led to his being selected with the 30th overall pick in last month's draft. In addition to the perimeter shooting ability, the former Creighton standout is a capable playmaker, and he finished Saturday's loss with six assists and just one turnover. Boston's depth on the perimeter could make it difficult for Scheierman to offer consistent fantasy value as a rookie, but the skill set is there if he can get the minutes. |
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Derrick White Derrick White to replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA
Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 5:49 AM
Marc J. Spears
ESPN's Marc J. Spears reports that Kawhi Leonard is withdrawing from Team USA basketball, and Derrick White will replace him.
Analysis: Availability has been a major concern for Leonard over the last seven seasons, and while he appeared in 68 games in 2023-24, he missed four of Los Angeles' six playoff games. His withdrawal from Team USA is likely do to health concerns, and White - fresh off a championship with Boston - will replace him on the roster. White joins teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday. |
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JD Davison Celtics re-sign JD Davison to two-way contract
Mon, Jul 8, 2024, 10:40 AM
Boston Celtics on Twitter
The Celtics announced on Monday that they have signed JD Davison to a two-way contract.
Analysis: Davison has spent two seasons with the Celtics, appearing in 20 games (eight in 2023-24). With Boston's backcourt rotation remaining intact after winning an NBA title this season, he's unlikely to crack the rotation in 2024-25. However, he'll look to change that when he plays with the Celtics' summer league team in Las Vegas. |
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Xavier Tillman Woj: Xavier Tillman re-signing with Celtics
Tue, Jul 2, 2024, 11:01 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Xavier Tillman is signing a two-year deal with the Celtics.
Analysis: Tillman played for the Celtics sparingly in 2023-24 and averaged 4.0 points 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across 20 games after being traded by the Memphis Grizzlies. He has a chance to contribute a little more at the beginning of 2024-25 while Kristaps Porzingis recovers from surgery, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect too much from the reserve big man. |
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Jayson Tatum Shams: Jayson Tatum, Celtics finalizing super-max
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 11:46 AM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics are finalizing a five-year, $314 million deal that will run through the 2029-30 season.
Analysis: This was expected, as the Celtics viewed inking Tatum and Derrick White to extensions as an offseason priority. White reportedly agreed to his deal on Monday morning, with Tatum following suit a few hours later. While he fell short of providing first-round fantasy value this season, that was a byproduct of the Celtics adding Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to the roster. With the latter due to miss 5-6 months after undergoing left leg surgery, Tatum's chances of offering first-round value next season have increased. As for the contract, it's the largest in NBA history and includes a player option (approx. $71.5 million in 2029-30) and a trade kicker. |
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Derrick White Woj: Derrick White agrees to four-year extension
Mon, Jul 1, 2024, 6:47 AM
Adrian Wojnarowski on X
Derrick White has agreed to a four-year, $125.9 million extension with the Celtics, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Analysis: After a breakout season with Boston, White is getting rewarded. He averaged multiple career-highs, including 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steal, 1.2 blocks and 2.7 triples, while playing an instrumental role in Boston's title run. They'll have him under contract through the 2028-29 season as they look to chase more titles with this core. |
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Neemias Queta Shams: Celtics, Neemias Queta agree to extension
Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 1:04 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Neemias Queta has agreed to a multi-year deal to remain with the Celtics.
Analysis: Queta was out of the Celtics rotation for most of last season, averaging 11.9 minutes per game in 28 appearances. However, Kristaps Porzingis undergoing leg surgery will open up opportunities for players such as Queta and Luke Kornet, as KP is expected to miss 5-6 months. Queta isn't a draftable player in fantasy leagues, but he may have streaming value throughout the season. |
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Luke Kornet Woj: Celtics to sign Luke Kornet to 1-year deal
Sun, Jun 30, 2024, 12:03 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Celtics will re-sign Luke Kornet to a one-year deal.
Analysis: Kornet offered modest value as a reserve big man for the Celtics last season, appearing in 63 games for the NBA champions. However, Kristaps Porzingis's left leg injury and subsequent surgery likely strengthened Boston's desire to retain Kornet, as there is a clear need for additional depth at center. Al Horford remains the best choice for fantasy managers, but Kornet will have streaming value when Horford is given a night off. |
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Sam Hauser Report: BOS to exercise Sam Hauser's team option
Sat, Jun 29, 2024, 5:53 AM
Adam Himmelsbach on Twitter
According to Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe, the Celtics will exercise Sam Hauser's team option for the 2024-25 season.
Analysis: Boston lead executive Brad Stevens has made it clear that the team wants to keep Hauser, and this report aligns with that desire. Hauser is in line to make $2.1 million next season, and the decision to pick up his option allows the Celtics to negotiate an extension. Talks on an extension cannot begin until July 9, per league rules. Hauser provided Boston with reliable 3-point production as the team won the NBA championship this season, and he'll have added value in 2024-25 due to Kristaps Porzingis likely missing 5-6 months after undergoing left leg surgery. |
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Anton Watson Boston selects Anton Watson with 54th pick
Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 5:09 PM
The Celtics have selected Anton Watson with pick No. 54 in the draft.
Analysis: After five seasons at Gonzaga, Watson will join the defending champs where he should be able to make an impact immediately. He isn't a player that should be on the radar of fantasy managers, but he should be able to fill some minutes for the Celtics if needed. He'll be 24 years old by the time the regular season starts, and he is coming off a season where he averaged 14.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.7 blocks and 0.6 triples per game. Hopefully his experience will make him an NBA-ready prospect from day one, which is exactly what Boston needs at this point of the draft. |
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Kristaps Porzingis Porzingis undergoes surgery, out 5-6 months
Thu, Jun 27, 2024, 10:23 AM
Tim Bontemps on Twitter
ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports that âKristaps Porzingis had surgery to repair a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon, and that he will return to play in â5-to-6 months.'â
Analysis: Brad Stevens mentioned Wednesday that Porzingis was likely to miss the start of the season, and this latest report from Bontemps confirms that assertion. The 5-6 month timeline puts a potential return in the late November to late December range, which means he could potentially miss up to two months to start the 2024-25 campaign. That should mean plenty of run for Al Horford, with guys like Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet in the mix for more run off the bench. |
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Baylor Scheierman Baylor Scheierman drafted by Boston at pick No. 30
Wed, Jun 26, 2024, 10:19 PM
Shams Charania on Twitter
Baylor Scheierman was selected by the Celtics with the No. 30 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Analysis: What Scheierman lacks defensively, he makes up for on the offensive end. He showed elite shooting ability during his five college seasons, and he was an effective passer for a forward. As a senior for Creighton, he averaged 18.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.1 triples per game. He isn't very athletic, which limits his defensive impact, and he'll also be 24 by the time next season starts, which isn't appealing. Despite those red flags, he is one of the best shooters in the draft and should be ready to stretch the floor from Day 1. Boston comfortably led the NBA in three-point attempts and three-point makes, so this selection looks like a match made in heaven. |
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Kristaps Porzingis Kristaps Porzingis likely to miss start of season
Wed, Jun 26, 2024, 12:45 PM
MSN
Celtics team president Brad Stevens said on Tuesday that he expects Kristaps Porzingis (left leg surgery) to miss at least the start of next season.
Analysis: Appearing on the Ryen Rusillo Podcast, Stevens said while the team does not know precisely how much time Porzingis will miss, he's expected to miss the start of the season. âWe're going to be different right out of the gate simply because we have guys like Kristaps after his surgery -- we don't know exactly when he'll be back. But he'll probably miss at least the very start of the season,â said Stevens. âThat'll be a great opportunity for us to do things different and have to find different solutions and those types of things that come with it. And then we'll just evaluate our team like we always do.â Porzingis suffered a dislocation of his left posterior tibialis during Game 2 of the NBA Finals and said after the series clincher that his rehab was expected to last a âfew months.â The injury boosts Al Horford's fantasy value heading into the 2024-25 season while freeing up additional usage for fellow starters Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. |
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Oshae Brissett Report: Oshae Brissett to decline player option
Sun, Jun 23, 2024, 5:21 PM
Keith Smith on Twitter
According to Spotrac's Keith Smith, Oshae Brissett plans to decline his player option and become an unrestricted free agent.
Analysis: The 2023-24 season was Brissett's first in Boston, and it could be his last based on the reported decision to decline his player option. The former Pacer had a limited role for the NBA champions, appearing in 56 games and averaging 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11.5 minutes. Those averages were the lowest for Brissett since his rookie season as a Toronto Raptor. |
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