The Boston Celtics dropped their first game of the preseason 108-99 against the Philadelphia 76ers last night. The result means nothing to me because it’s the preseason, and they haven’t played basketball in 80 days. However, I thought there were many positives from the game last night that should encourage Celtics fans moving forward.
Payton Pritchard Looked Great: Pritchard had an excellent game for the Celtics last night, scoring 16 points to go along with 2 assists and 4 rebounds. Pritchard looked ready for the NBA last night, and he showed no fear. I was encouraged by his aggressiveness as he looked like he belonged in the NBA right away. For a guy of his stature to remain in the NBA, you need to have an aggressiveness to your game. Pritchard being a four-year college player bodes well for him because he looks NBA ready as he can take people off the dribble, and he can make open threes.
One thing I liked from Pritchard last night was the veteran moves that he was making. Pritchard was getting guys on his hip when driving to the basket, which is a veteran move that allowed him to get to the paint easily. Those are moves that highlight that he is ready for the NBA, and I think it shows that he will be in the rotation this year. Pritchard will go through growing pains this year as a rookie, but I think he will be able to contribute to this team this season.
Jeff Teague Is an Upgrade Over Brad Wanamaker: Jeff Teague is going to be a solid player for the Celtics this season. Teague started slow last night but ended up with 18 points while shooting 4-4 from three. To put this into perspective, no Celtics guard off the bench last season other than Marcus Smart scored 18 or more points in any game last season. Teague can handle the ball well, and he can get to the rim better than Wanamaker could last year. If Teague can shoot like he did last night during the season, he will be a nice scoring piece off the bench. The one thing that worries me about Teague is his defense because he was getting blown by too many times for my liking last night.
I Was Unimpressed With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown: I was disappointed with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s performances last night because it looked the same as the end of last season. Jaylen Brown was invisible on the court last night, and that can’t happen this season if he wants to be the second-best player on the team. Brown was terrible last night as he scored 5 points on 1-11 shooting from the field and 1-5 from three. When Tatum is off the floor, Brown has to welcome the challenge of carrying the offense, and I worry that he isn’t ready for it. I don’t think Brown can be a number 2 on a championship team, I think he is a 3.
Tatum was awful last night, and he looked like he didn’t even want to be there. I thought he was embarrassing, especially for a guy who is supposed to be the leader for this team. Tatum has to be the tone-setter for this team, and I didn’t see that last night. He looked like he was going through the motions, just chucking up bad shots and not getting back on defense. Tatum finished with 10 points on 4-13 shooting from the field and 0-4 from three. Also, I was disappointed to see him shoot 2-5 from the free-throw line because that is an area that I would like to see him improve in.
Brad Stevens Has To Give Up On Certain Players: I have had enough of Brad Stevens playing guys who have no business being in the NBA. Carsen Edwards, Tremont Waters, Tacko Fall, and Semi Ojeleye are players who should be cut from the team. I see no reason as to why they should be given playing time, let alone a roster spot. Stevens has to shorten the rotation because these guys are terrible. There should be no reason as to why Semi Ojeleye is getting more minutes than Aaron Nesmith, it’s a disgrace.
The Celtics will return home to Boston for their final preseason game on Friday against the Brooklyn Nets at 8 pm.
Thompson's Takes 