The Celtics are 8-4 as we are already one-sixth of the way through this season.
The team is coming off of a puzzling 30 point loss to the Knicks. Every team has those, which is why the response Wednesday night with a visit to the Philadelphia 76ers is important.
And as we are nearing the 20 percent completion point of the season, I thought we’d do a little stock up and stock down exercise. After all, the Celtics season seems kind of resembles bitcoin -- impressive in December despite some setbacks.
STOCK UP
THE BENCH
A once dreadful piece of the puzzle in Celtics games is now actually an exciting point in these game. Payton Pritchard, Semi Ojeleye, Grant Williams, Robert Williams. Actual, reliable NBA talent coming off the bench! And three of these four guys are returnees. Boston was tied for dead last in bench scoring at 26.5 points per game last year. The Celtics have improved in that category and are now 20th and jumped to 35 points per game.
JAYLEN BROWN
JB is the embodiment of bitcoin’s performance right now. Brown's stock is skyrocketing to the moon with no sign of coming down anytime soon. With Jayson Tatum being out due to health and safety protocols, Jaylen has taken over this team. “Who is the better player: Tatum or Brown?” is now a question that is back on the table. (I’m leaning towards JB at the moment but I’ll expand on that at another time.)
PAYTON PRITCHARD
Is there a chance that Pritchard could win Rookie of the Year? No. That’s crazy and would probably require some injuries to force Payton into the starting lineup. But he has absolutely proven to be one of the steals in this draft. I’m done trying to compare his game to anyone. His ability to create something out of nothing is remarkable. The kid can really play. He may not ever be an NBA All Star, but Fast PP/8 mile/P-Rabbit/Running Man will make the All-Rookie team this year.
TACKO FALL
If you had to rank the Top 3 moments of the season so far, Tacko might have two of three with his banked shot from the wing followed by an isolation play for a dunk from the top of the key. It was the feel good moment of the season with the bench erupting in joy for their teammate who works his ass off. The improvement is showing.
SEMI OJELEYE
I jokingly said on radio in the preseason that Ojeleye should be preparing to get a job at Walmart. I didn’t think he could play. I was wrong. While the numbers are not much different than past season, Semi is showing more than being a stiff, inconsistent spot up shooter.
"I work hard,” Brown said. “And Semi works harder than me. I've seen it not go his way, and him not get minutes and all that. But it never changes his approach. He just always works hard. Semi can play basketball, man."
STOCK DOWN
DANIEL THEIS
While the “War on Theis” continues by these blind, agenda-driven referees (I have no other explanation for his awful whistle), Daniel has struggled in this new season. The double big lineup simply did not work and was effectively ended due to injury and COVID protocols affecting his and Tristan Thompson’s status. Grant Williams started against the Magic on Friday with Theis coming off the bench.
AARON NESMITH
If you’ve seen one game of Nesmith’s young NBA career, you understand what the issue is. It’s not an effort issue. It’s the nuance of the NBA game. Aaron might be one of the better players when it comes to open gym casual play. But the attention to detail and the execution of it is something Nesmith has not been able to adjust to. For example, when to switch and the timing of it. Rotations to the baseline to cut off a cross court pass. Attempting to take a charge after being one step late to cut off a driving ball handler. Aaron is just a half second slow in response.