The Boston Celtics will be relying on young and unproven talents next season. Joe Mazzulla’s front court has been hit hardest, with numerous players looking to stake their claims for a spot in the rotation.
Hugo Gonzalez is the star rookie addition, while Luka Garza and Josh Minott headline the incoming additions. Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, Max Shulga, Amari Williams and Neemias Queta are the others who will be fighting to prove themselves.
During a recent video from the Celtics’ social media channel, Brad Stevens shared a message with Boston’s new rookie class and all new additions looking to fight for some rotation minutes.
“The message here with those guys is real simple: give it your very all. If other things get in the way of that, then it’s a tough league,” Stevens said.
The Celtics are in the early stages of a retooling phase. Everyone has an opportunity to stake their claim for a bigger role within the rotation and a potential spot on the team moving forward.
If some of the Celtics’ younger cohort can listen to Stevens’ advice, they will undoubtedly have an opportunity to impress. However, with so much competition for playing time, no one can feel comfortable in taking their foot off the gas.
Celtics Add Jalen Bridges on Exhibit 10
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Brad Stevens has added Jalen Bridges to the roster, where he will fight for a two-way spot.
Bridges will face a tough task in earning a two-way spot from the Celtics. They recently signed draftees Shulga and Williams to deals while trading for RJ Luis who is the third and final two-way player under contract. Instead, the Celtics will likely use their Exhibit 10 deal with Bridges to funnel him into the Maine Celtics roster in the G-League.
Bridges was part of the Celtics Summer League roster in Las Vegas. In four outings, he averaged 8 points and 3.3 rebounds, shooting 44.4% from the field.
Celtics Get Encouraging Tatum Update
According to a recent report from the “Zolak and Bertrand Show” on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Jayson Tatum has been impressing members of the Celtics front office and coaching staff with how he’s approaching his rehab from a torn Achilles tendon.
“The Celtics are very happy with how hard Jayson Tatum has been working at his rehab, and his level of focus and intensity in the rehab process,” Bertrand said. “Since the injury, he has not left town and he has been inside the building at the Celtics facility with their people and their team every day, Monday through Friday, almost every single day. For months.”
Celtics fans will undoubtedly be hoping that Tatum can return to the rotation in the upcoming season. However, there’s no guarantee he will be cleared to play in the coming months. Nevertheless, the consistent updates that he’s ahead of schedule and is committed to getting back on the floor are encouraging.
After all, the Celtics need Tatum back in order to compete at the highest level. Unfortunately, with the current roster, a championship push appears to be off the cards. At least for the next 12 months.