{"id":110455,"date":"2024-12-03T11:32:54","date_gmt":"2024-12-03T16:32:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=110455"},"modified":"2024-12-03T11:32:54","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T16:32:54","slug":"drew-peterson-celtics-rotation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/12\/03\/drew-peterson-celtics-rotation\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Drew Peterson Crack the Celtics Rotation?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drew Peterson<\/a> getting significant minutes wasn\u2019t on most Boston Celtics<\/a> fans’ radar. However, due to several notable injuries, Peterson received quality minutes in the last two games. Notably, in the first game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaylen Brown<\/a> and Derrick White<\/a> were sidelined in the following game against the Miami Heat, Jrue Holiday<\/a>, Kristaps Porzingis<\/a>, Al Horford<\/a>, and Sam Hauser<\/a> were out. Before Sunday’s game against the Cavs, Peterson had only played in 30 career minutes<\/a> in six total games in the last two games, Peterson has received 25 and 26 minutes for a total of 51 minutes. Let\u2019s explore if Peterson can break into the Celtics rotation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can Drew Peterson Crack the Celtics Rotation?<\/h2>\n

Peterson is a two-way player who has been with the Celtics<\/a> since last season. The 6-foot-9 wing hasn\u2019t spent much time in Boston, although he has been thriving in Maine. In the G League,\u00a0Peterson<\/a> is averaging 19.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.\u00a0<\/span>Even with the injuries and Peterson\u2019s play in the G League, many fans expected two-way teammate JD Davison<\/a> to get more of an opportunity in these games. Notably, Davison<\/a> recently broke the franchise’s scoring record. Nevertheless, Peterson’s skill set as a big wing allows him to fit within any lineup, and he excelled in the minutes he received. Peterson gave the Celtics quality minutes in a close 115-111 loss to the Cavs and was a crucial part of Boston’s 108-89 win over the Heat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Peterson\u2019s Recent Play<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the past two games, Peterson<\/a> averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc. This includes a seven-point, seven-rebound outing against the Heat. Peterson\u2019s ability to space the floor and positional size makes him a natural fit in the Celtics system. With his size and high-IQ play, Peterson is an active rebounder. Additionally, the 25-year-old is a much-improved defender with solid positioning and hustle. In the small sample size of 58 minutes, Peterson has posted an impressive 104.7 defensive rating; <\/a><\/span>when he’s not on the floor, the Celtics have a 110.3 defensive rating.\u00a0This skill set could allow Peterson to provide the team with valuable minutes even when they are fully healthy. However, the Celtics wing rotation is loaded with Jayson Tatum<\/a>, Brown, and Hauser.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Where Does Peterson Fit into Boston’s Rotation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some possible open minutes for Peterson could be Jordan Walsh<\/a>\u2019s. The second-year wing from Arkansas has appeared in 14, averaging 8.6 minutes, 1.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and .2 assists while shooting 32 percent from the field and 25 from three. While Walsh<\/a> is an athletic, versatile defender, his lack of offensive production, especially shooting, could give Peterson the edge in the rotation. You don\u2019t want to give up on a 20-year-old with upside like Walsh, but Peterson has produced at a higher level so far. After getting a DNP against the Cavs, Walsh started against the Heat in 13 minutes he didn\u2019t score but grabbed three rebounds. While Walsh has gotten more minutes this season, Peterson\u2019s 25 and 26-minute outings exceed Walsh\u2019s<\/a> 19-minute season high. <\/span><\/p>\n

Baylor Scheierman<\/a> is another young wing to monitor in the Celtics rotation. Against Miami, the rookie from Creighton received 11 minutes. Scheierman<\/a> hasn\u2019t shown much in the league so far, only scoring four total points in five games. However, his shooting and high-IQ play, along with his potential, make him a player worth keeping an eye on. <\/span><\/p>\n

Mazzulla’s Trust in Peterson<\/h3>\n

Ultimately, Peterson has stood out among the three Celtics’ young wings. Given this recent impressive stretch and Joe Mazzulla\u2019s praise for Peterson after the Cavs game, expect him to get more regular minutes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joe Mazzulla on Drew Peterson:<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he had some really good defensive possessions, defending without fouling. He was physical, he\u2019s smart. He has a knack for the ball, whether it\u2019s offensive rebounding or moving without the basketball to get open, and I think he works\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/IJng27geet<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) December 2, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n