For the last few seasons, the Boston Celtics have sat among the top of the NBA standings. This year, two months in, is no different. However, looking at the Celtics roster from the last few years compared to this year, this is clearly a different team. No more Marcus Smart, Grant Williams, and Robert Williams–three guys who embodied Celtics basketball in recent years. Instead, the Celtics have turned to new faces to usher in a new era, most notably Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.
How Has Each Celtics Offseason Addition Played So Far?
Kristaps Porzingis
When the Celtics acquired Porzingis, there were expectations the big man would add a new dimension to Boston’s offense. So far, expectations have been met and potentially exceeded. Through 19 games with the Celtics, Porzingis is averaging 18.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. The 28-year-old is thriving in Boston next to Tatum and Brown and is stretching the floor better than practically any big man the Celtics have had during the “Jays Era.” Porzingis has missed a few games due to injury, but it’s mostly been for precautionary reasons.
☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️ lets goooo
— Kristaps Porzingis (@kporzee) June 22, 2023
Jrue Holiday
The Celtics traded for Holiday just before the beginning of this year’s training camp. Still, Holiday has adjusted to his new role with Boston quickly. On the season, the former NBA champion is averaging 12.3 points and a career-high 6.6 rebounds per game. Next to Derrick White, Holiday is half of arguably the best defensive backcourt in the league and has played well in his first season with the Celtics. The one concern so far regarding Holiday this season is his inefficiency. However, Holiday is averaging 11.8 points while shooting 49% from the field and 42.9% from beyond the arc in his last five games.
Oshae Brissett
Boston signed Oshae Brissett on the first day of the offseason this past summer. Though he had previously been a starter with the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers, Brissett signed on as a role player. So far, Brissett has only appeared in 12 games, averaging 9.4 minutes per game. Despite playing a minimal role with the Celtics, Brissett offers high energy as a backup wing. Brissett likely won’t see a much bigger role barring injuries or trades, but he has shown his worth to the team in his limited role so far.
Dalano Banton
The Celtics brought Dalano Banton in to add size and versatility to their bench. And for the most part, that’s exactly what he’s done. Banton isn’t a particularly great scorer or defender, but as a 6’9 point guard, he can grab rebounds and be useful in many defensive situations. With the exception of one start in place of Porzingis, Banton hasn’t gotten much playing time. The Canada native is averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
Lamar Stevens
Like Banton, Lamar Stevens hasn’t seen much playing time outside of one start, appearing in just nine games. Stevens joined the team as a defensive specialist for the bench and has played sporadic minutes this season. All things considered, Stevens has played well in his limited role and could be in line for more minutes as the season progresses.
Svi Mykhailiuk
Svi Mykhailiuk has appeared in just 10 games for the Celtics and is only averaging 6.7 minutes per game. As a three-point specialist, Mykhailiuk has competition in front of him in sharpshooter Sam Hauser. Though he’s a good depth piece, it is unlikely Mykhailiuk sees a bigger role with the Celtics.
Neemias Queta
Neemias Queta missed the first few weeks of the season with a foot injury but has seemingly found a spot in the Celtics’ rotation. In an overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, Queta stepped in as Porzingis and Luke Kornet were both inactive. Queta recorded a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double in 21 minutes in the loss. It’s likely Queta won’t take on a large role 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.
Neemy 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/IKoRv3k0HB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 2, 2023
Jordan Walsh
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.
