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08 June 2025

• Baylor Scheierman tells funny Joe Mazzulla story, reflects on rookie season

  Scheierman reflected on a rookie season with limited minutes — and on a training camp conversation he had with the Celtics head coach.

  Baylor Scheierman spent the first half of his rookie season with the Maine Celtics. Then, in mid-January, the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft joined the parent club, ultimately clawing his way into the rotation in March.

  March turned out to be a standout month for the former Creighton star — Scheierman averaged 6.3 points, shooting 48.8% from the field and 47.4% from three.

  The run was highlighted by a 20-point outburst against the Brooklyn Nets on March 18th, in which he hit 6 of 7 three-pointer attempts. That outing came just a few weeks after a 15-point night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

  “The Garden was definitely rocking that night,” Scheierman said in an interview with CLNS Media’s Garden Report. “That stretch of those two games definitely gave me a lot of confidence going into the remainder of the season, that I can do it. I never really didn’t think I could do it.”

  Scheierman said he knew from the beginning that it would be difficult to make the Celtics rotation.

  That’s because Joe Mazzulla blatantly told him that right after training camp.

  “Before the season started, I had a meeting with him and he was pretty much like, ‘Listen, I don’t really like rookies, so you’re gonna have to battle this year, and that’s kind of how it is,’” Scheierman said. “And I was like, ‘All right, that’s all right.”

  While some NBA players might have been turned off by that type of proclamation, Scheierman appreciated his new coach’s honesty.

  “I really respect Joe, and I like his bluntness,” he said.

  “That’s kind of how he coached me — just very blunt and just telling me how it is, and how it was gonna be, and I can appreciate that because then there’s no miscommunications about what’s going on or what’s to be expected.”

  Baylor Scheierman could see a larger role in the rotation next season

  Heading into his sophomore season, Scheierman could be due for a larger opportunity. While it’s not yet clear which Celtics will be on the roster next season, Jayson Tatum’s injury alone opens the door for more minutes for the versatile 24-year-old wing.

  “It’s a challenge, but you just have to be ready to take advantage of the opportunities you get,” Scheierman said, noting that the goal is to get into Mazzulla’s circle of trust. “I knew coming into the year that opportunities are gonna be limited with bringing everybody back from a team that just won a championship... I was ready to make an impact when my number was called.”

• Which Celtics would make the best (and worst) roommates? Baylor Scheierman weighs in

  The Celtics rookie sat down for an all-encompassing, 35-minute interview on his rookie season, relationship with Joe Mazzulla, and much more.

  Just a few weeks after the conclusion of his rookie season, Baylor Scheierman joined CLNS Media’s Garden Report for an all-encompassing interview on his first year in the NBA, his offseason so far, his relationship with Joe Mazzulla, and a whole lot more.

  Scheierman also answered light-hearted questions — from who the best football and golf players on the team are, which Celtics players would make the best and worst roommates, unlikely friendships, and much more.

  Here’s a lightly edited snippet of what he had to say in the interview, conducted by Noa Dalzell, Bobby Manning, and John Zannis.

  You can watch the full, 35-minute show here.

  Noa Dalzell: Who is a particularly closeCeltics teammate of yours that would maybe surprise other people?

  Baylor Scheierman: Me and Derrick White have a really fun relationship, and you saw that a little bit in the social media world.

  The first time I met Derrick was actually in Nebraska. He was in Lincoln for the Colorado vs Nebraska game and and I went to the game and one of my high school buddies texted me and was like, ‘Derrick’s here.’ So I went to where he was at and that was our first time meeting and then we hung out all day, went to the game together and that started our relationship off really well. Obviously, he’s a tremendous player, but then obviously just really enjoy being around him off the court as well.”

  Dalzell: Of all your current Celtics teammates, which would make the best roommate and which would make the worst?

  Scheierman: Worst roommate would be D-White – he argues about everything. He’s never wrong. The best would probably be Al [Horford]. Simple guy. Probably goes to bed early.

  Manning: Who is your NBA player comp?

  Scheierman: Obviously, a lot of people say Joe Ingles. I like that comp. I like watching Austin Reaves play. Max Strus. All of those guys.

  John Zannis: Is there one player that you’d be embarrassed to say ‘I’m kind of like that guy’ because they’re a star, and people would think if I start comparing myself to this person I’m arrogant?

  There’s one guy in our chat that is constantly saying Luka Doncic.

  Scheierman: I definitely watched him a lot in high school and college. Everyone obviously thinks – 6’7, white, shooter. My passing ability might even be my best quality sometime. If you’re going to say it, I’m not going to argue with you, but I probably wouldn’t say it off the rip.

  I watched [Rajon] Rondo a lot, Pistol Pete, Jason Williams.

  Zannis: I will be heartbroken if I never get to play another minute with ____

  Scheierman: Can I say everybody?

  There’s a lot of guys I could throw out. I’d probably say Jrue Holiday. We continued to build a relationship over the course of the year. Dude’s just funny, and he’s a good guy.

  He’s been in the league forever, and has accomplished some crazy things. You wouldn’t necessarily know about it just by meeting him – he’s a very down-to-earth guy. We’ve got a lot of those guys on the team.

  Dalzell: If you’re the best football player on the team, who is No. 2?

  Scheierman: Such a great question. Everyone says they’re a good football player, but none of them actually played. Payton [Pritchard] swears he was so good, and I was like ‘When’d you stop playing?’ And he was like ‘seventh grade’ so I was like ‘Oh, okay, so you didn’t play.”

  I feel Jaylen [Brown] would be pretty good. I’d put him at No. 2 probably.

  Sam [Hauser] played. I’d put him high up there as well.

  Manning: Who’s the best golfer on the team?

  Scheierman: Sam. Sam’s the best golfer. For sure.

  Zannis: If something ever starts up on the court – there’s a little beef, you’re about to throw hands, who is the one teammate you would want standing behind you?

  Scheierman: I don’t think I’m ever throwing hands.

  I’d probably say JB or Al [Horford]. Al’s got five kids, so he’s got that dad strength. I’d probably say him or JB.

  Dalzell: If you could pick any NBA player to jersey swap with, who would it be?

  Scheierman: I’d probably do Steph [Curry]. Middle school, high school, when the Warriors were having their dynasty – watching them play and just how skilled he is, how good he’s become. He’s not the most athletic, he can’t jump the highest, but he’s the best shooter ever. There’s a lot of other stuff he does well.

• Built for Boston: Draft prospects who make sense for the Celtics

  The NBA Draft is less than three weeks away, and the CelticsBlog staff is weighing in on the prospects that could provide an immediate jolt to Boston’s rotation.

  We are three weeks out from the NBA Draft, and with the NBA Combine in the rearview, there’s a clearer picture of the prospect pool after the league announced that 50 early-entry players withdrew their names from the draft ahead of deadline.

  The Celtics’ roster situation at this stage in their offseason can best be described as fluid, with major roster changes inbound as they seek an opportunity to crawl under the second tax apron. With their own 28th overall draft selection in the first round and a 32nd overall pick in the second (courtesy of the Wizards), the Celtics have cost-effective avenues to add depth and developmental talent to the roster before the start of the free agency negotiation window on June 30.

  Today, CelticsBlog staff writers Robby Fletcher, Mark Aboyoun, and Ben Paradis search for the prospects that best fit into Boston’s current roster situation in the back of the first round.

  Robby’s Pick:Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton – Center

  At 23 years old with 169 collegiate appearances under his belt and four Big East defensive player of the year titles to his name, Ryan Kalkbrenner is a classic case of a high-floor draftee that’s as ready as he’ll ever be for NBA minutes.

  A 7-foot-1, 257-pound center with a 7’6” wingspan, he’s a Goliath-sized big that’s great on the glass, strong as a rim runner, and efficient in the post. At his size, Kalkbrenner doesn’t need a ton of moves to create space with his back to the basket, though he’s adept at spinning his way into a cleaner spot to finish a possession with two points.

  Really, it’s his strength that stands out when he’s heading towards the hoop. He plays with an appropriate physicality for a player his size, making him a tough assignment when he’s barreling down the lane.

  On post-ups this year, Kalkbrenner’s 1.23 points per possession had him in the 93rd percentile in the NCAA, while his 1.28 PPP as a roller/cutter had him in the 82nd percentile. A 19-point scorer in his final season with the Bluejays, Kalkbrenner shot an outstanding 79.5% at the rim.

  Paired with Baylor Scheierman for two seasons at Creighton, their dynamic pick-and-roll combination could return for an exciting reunion in Boston, where it’d serve as a bench tandem with some built-in chemistry.

  While Boston has had success in finding bigs with a capable playmaking eye, don’t expect Kalkbrenner to be a significant anticipatory passer, with most of his assists coming on more basic-read kickouts and the occasional backdoor cut.

  At his size, he moves pretty well, rising high for countless lobs and putbacks. The 3-point shot was never a huge part of his game, but in Year 5, he put up a career-high in attempts (61, 1.7 per game) and knocked them down at a respectable rate (34%), making it the one significant area in his game with a ceiling to keep an eye on.

  Kalkbrenner’s defensive skillset is as straightforward as it is effective. He’s a forceful presence protecting the rim (2.7 blocks per game in 2025) that doesn’t back down easy when defending post-ups, but he’ll likely never be a trustworthy switch defender. With guys his size, that’s often how it goes.

  Aside from a 3-inch height difference, Kalkbrenner isn’t terribly far apart from what Zach Edey was as a prospect, though Edey’s stock soared into the lottery of what was generally considered a weaker draft class than the one we’re seeing in 2025. It’s more than likely that Kalkbrenner will still be around when Boston makes its selection.

  Boston’s frontcourt situation is easily the biggest question mark this offseason. Kristaps Porzingis is being heavily discussed in trade rumors, and Al Horford and Luke Kornet are both free agents. That leaves Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta as the bigs under contract. Even with Horford back on the roster, a drop big of Kalkbrenner’s caliber can make a positive impact in double-big scenarios or surrounded by switchier defenders as the lone rim protector.

  There’s a chance Horford returns and Boston prioritizes a much-deserved payday for Kornet, but even in that scenario, a ready-made contributor on a rookie scale contract would be a welcome sign for a Celtics team that’s considering life ahead of the 2025-26 season.

  Mark’s Pick:Rasheer Fleming, Saint Joseph’s – Forward

  Rasheer Fleming screams of a Brad Stevens pick.

  The 6-foot-9 forward out of Saint Joseph’s University boasts a 7-foot-5.25 wingspan (tied for fourth at the NBA Combine) and a 9-foot-1 standing reach. He’s projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick.

  Fleming was the Hawks’ best player last season, averaging 14.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 53.1% from the field and 39% from 3-point range.

  Joe Mazzulla’s offense is predicated on spacing the floor for stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, while surrounding them with versatile defenders who can shoot. Fleming checks all the boxes—and would add some much-needed height and flexibility to the Celtics’ frontcourt.

  In addition to his shooting, Fleming is an aggressive rebounder. He grabbed 8.5 boards per game, including 2.1 on the offensive end. His combination of wingspan and leaping ability allows him to battle effectively on the glass against taller competition.

  Over three seasons on Hawk Hill, Fleming consistently improved his shooting numbers. As a freshman, he averaged 20 minutes per game and shot 42.7% from the floor and 29.7% from deep. As a sophomore, he increased those marks to 52.8% and 32.4%. Last season, he took another leap forward.

  In the above clip, Fleming reads the floor well. When he sees Haskins drive, he relocates to the corner, creating an outlet. When the pass comes, he calmly knocks down the jumper.

  One of Fleming’s biggest strengths is his smooth shooting form. His release is fluid and compact, with no hitch in his motion. He may need to speed up his shot slightly at the NBA level, but the mechanics are solid.

  Fleming doesn’t hesitate on open looks but also doesn’t settle. He’s capable of attacking closeouts, though his ball handling could use refinement. He’s at his best in the paint when going straight up—catching lobs or finishing off one dribble.

  His wiry frame may cause issues when defending stronger centers like Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid in the post. But in today’s NBA, he projects as someone who can guard positions 2 through 4 and hold his own against most non-dominant bigs.

  Against quicker guards, Fleming uses his length to recover even when beaten. He averaged 1.5 blocks per game last season, thanks in large part to his wingspan. He also posted an impressive 2.72 shuttle run time at the NBA Combine—second only to Grant Nelson (2.58).

  In February, Brad Stevens was spotted in Philadelphia watching Fleming, who finished with 23 points and six rebounds.

  In front of Sam Presti, Brad Stevens, and others, Rasheer Fleming had 23 points on 4-8 shooting from 3 and 6 boards. Impressive showing for Rasheer.

  — hawkhillhardwood (@HHHardwood) February 22, 2025

  Ben’s Pick:Danny Wolf, Michigan – Center

  Michigan’s Danny Wolf is one of 2025’s most intriguing center prospects. At 7’0” and 250 pounds, Wolf boasts an offensive skill set that epitomizes a modern NBA big man.

  Wolf’s unique mix of size, mobility, and basketball IQ makes him a jack-of-all-trades on the offensive end, especially with the ball in his hands. Michigan used Wolf like a guard in the half-court offense. He regularly put the ball on the floor, made decisions out of pick-and-rolls, and often served as the engine of Dusty May’s system. His height and IQ helped him excel as a passer, averaging nearly four assists per game with a wide variety of deliveries. He threw lobs over the top of the defense, found cutters and shooters from the post, and fired crisp pocket passes in pick-and-roll action. He was the hub of Michigan’s offense.

  Wolf also made an impact as a scorer for the Wolverines. The junior averaged 13.2 points per game on 49.7% shooting from the field and 36.8% from beyond the arc on three attempts per game. With unprecedented agility, ball-handling, and footwork for his size, Wolf showcased a well-rounded offensive arsenal: drives to the rim, step-backs from both levels, and a developing low-post game. He struggled on spot-up attempts at Michigan, but during his freshman and sophomore seasons in a more rigid Yale offense, he knocked down 44% of his spot-up three-pointers.

  On defense, Wolf shows plenty of promise. He was the Big Ten’s top defensive rebounder, averaging about eight per game, and consistently blocked shots as a help defender in the paint. His lateral quickness allowed him to average around a steal per game, even when drawn away from the basket. Still, Wolf is an irregular mix of strength and speed, which may keep him from fitting neatly into one defensive role. He may never become a dominant rim protector or lockdown perimeter defender, but he could become solid at both.

  By no means is Danny Wolf a perfect prospect—there’s a reason he’s projected as a late-round pick. There are concerns about how effective he’ll be without the ball in his hands consistently, how his defense will translate, and whether he can handle the physicality of NBA play. These are understandable question marks, but I think the Celtics would be able to nurture his skill set and help him develop to his full potential – maybe old-man Al Horford can teach him a thing or two? With the league becoming more positionless than ever, having a high-IQ big man who can run the floor would be a competitive luxury for the Celtics.

  ---

  Which late-round prospect has caught your eye heading into Draft Night?

• Celtics fans expect Jrue Holiday to be traded this summer (NBA Reacts results)

  Jrue Holiday is the kind of guy that makes really good teams great

  Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-inBoston Celtics fans and fans across the country.Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. Results courtesy ofFanDuel.

  Earlier this week I posed the survey question: Who is getting traded from the Boston Celtics? Your answers are recorded below. Can’t say that the results are a tremendous surprise as Holiday and Porzingis have dominated the trade chatter since the end of the season.

  The Reacts folks also posted topics related to the NBA Finals, so I thought I’d share those results as well.

  I respect the Thunder and I don’t have a particular rooting interest in this series, but I do appreciate the sentiment of rooting for the underdog team. Besides, since last year it has been fun seeing the mutual respect that Pacers and Celtics fans have for each other. Not to mention the Nesmith connection.

  Notable that this survey wrapped up before the results of last night’s thrilling game 1 happened. I wonder how much the numbers would swing if they did this same poll again today.

  This topic gets talked about a lot on sport shows and other media outlets. I don’t see the issue. The TV deals are all signed and sealed at record breaking dollars for the next decade or so. It seems like the kind of thing that should only really be important to a few super-rich executives, and hey, if only we could have those kinds of problems, right? If you are going to have teams in smaller markets, be excited that they win on the highest stage.

  Umm... sure. Whatever.

• Catch Game 1 of the NBA Finals live on Playback

  We’ll see if the Indiana Pacers can continue to defy logic in their greatest test yet

  The NBA Finals are here. Sadly, the Boston Celtics will not be participating. Instead, we have a finals for people who actually like basketball. No glitz and glam. No Lebron James or Steph Curry. No Boston Celtics or LA Lakers. Just pure, unadulterated hoops action. Catch the Finals action in the CelticsBlog Playback room.

  Download the Playback app today and be part of the conversation as the action unfolds.

• Should the Celtics consider trading Jaylen Brown? (Staff Roundtable)

  The CBA was designed to break up teams like the Celtics, but how far will they have to go?

  If it proves more difficult than expected to shed salaries like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, etc., would you consider moving Jaylen Brown for picks, young talent, and cap space?

  Mark Aboyoun

  Although I don’t think Jaylen Brown is untouchable, I don’t think he will be moved this year. When you construct a team like how the Celtics have and knowing the inevitable consequences, I think you get rid of the likes of Holiday and Porzingis even if you’re on the losing end of the deals. Even if Brown was dealt, I’m not sure the return will be enough to keep Boston at the top with an injury prone Porzingis and an aging Holiday who dipped last year in regards to his performance and shooting percentage.

  Ian Inangelo

  Jaylen Brown feels like the most untouchable player out of the core that could be on the move but I feel like Brad Stevens wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t at least see what is possibly out there. I feel like it’s a long shot but if a Giannis to the Celtics trade develops somehow, I feel like that’s the only way Brown gets traded from Boston unless the Mavericks want to trade the number 1 pick.

  Steve Hooper

  I don’t think Brad and the front office move Jaylen this summer. A year removed from an NBA Finals MVP, he is too valuable to the franchise alongside Jayson. The offer would truly need to be amazing and blow Brad’s socks off. The Celtics would want to at least take back an All- Star level young player and I can’t see that happening.

  Mike Dynon

  The NBA at one time set up a system where if a player like Jaylen Brown made an all-NBA team, he’d be guaranteed an even more ginormous next contract than he was already going to receive. Brown achieved that in 2023 – and soon afterwards the NBA decided to punish teams that have essentially “too many” big contracts. Somehow, the players union agreed to this. And because timing is everything, just when Boston got good enough to win it all, the “second apron” was invented. For a team called the Celtics, they certainly don’t have much luck of the Irish.

  I don’t think JB will be traded, but if he is then I hope it’s done as a last resort for a huge haul at the trade deadline. And even then it would completely suck. With Jayson Tatum injured, Brown has to be the face of the team, the leader, a task he’s proved he can handle (see the 2024 postseason). Moreover, he wants to be a Celtic for life, a Bostonian forever, and he’s earned that opportunity. Yes, that’s a sentimental view, which Brad Stevens will no doubt ignore (as he should) and do what he believes is best for the franchise. However, if Jaylen Brown must be dealt because of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, it will be a dark day in Celtics history.

  Jake Issenberg

  I would only move Jaylen Brown if there is a mandate from ownership to get below the second apron and shed salary. Even if you get a haul of young players and picks, the chances are none of those assets turn into a player as good as Jaylen Brown. I understand the challenges of filling out depth around the two supermax contracts of Jaylen and Jayson. But due to the Jays immense versatility, building out depth is easier than with other stars. When your two best players can defend several positions, and be effective on and off the ball, it makes Brad Stevens’ job easier. Not to mention Jaylen’s standing as a Celtics legend. I would only want to move Jaylen as a part of a true superstar deal.

  Jeff Clark

  Like everyone above said, I don’t ultimately think that Jaylen Brown should be traded and I don’t want him to be. The only case for it is if the team simply cannot put together a workable product on the floor around two massive salaries with Tatum and Brown taking up so much of the cap. If their destiny is to become like the Suns this past year, then I can see a case for breaking it up. Some might argue that it would make more sense to move Jaylen next summer after you’ve tried everything else. I would push back and say that I’d rather move one year too early than one year too late (injury risk and all that). This is the summer where it seems like a lot of teams are ready to make franchise altering deals.

  It would take a lot, but I wouldn’t rule it out.

• Who is getting traded? Celtics Reacts survey

  The Boston Celtics are most likely trading someone. Who will it be?

  Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-inBoston Celtics fans and fans across the country.Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

  As you may have heard or read the Boston Celtics are most likely going to make at least one significant trade this off-season in order to reset their salary books.

  The question is, which of their key rotation players is the most likely to be headed out of town this summer

  There are arguments to be made for each of the following names and it could end up being multiple players being traded, depending on what the Celtics can get back in return and what their future plans are.

  But let’s just start with who the most likely player is and go from there. You are welcome to weigh in on the comments section on who you would prefer to be traded.

  Please take our survey
• Lessons the Celtics can learn from these playoffs (Staff Roundtable)

  The Pacers and Thunder can teach the Celtics a few lessons that they could take back to the lab for future use

  What have you learned from the playoffs this year that could inform theCeltics offseason decisions?

  Mark Aboyoun

  One thing the NBA playoffs reminded me of is that there are no easy games — no matter the matchup. A lot of fans preferred a series against the Knicks because Boston swept them in the regular season, but the playoffs are a different beast. If the Celtics hadn’t let Game 1 and Game 2 slip away, the outcome might have been very different.

  What stood out throughout the playoffs is that every team is capable of coming back from a deficit. That makes it even more important to stay aggressive when you have a lead. Looking back, I didn’t mind Boston settling for threes early in the series against New York because most of them were quality looks — they just didn’t fall. Still, a takeaway for the Celtics this offseason should be maintain offensive pressure when ahead, not just coasting or relying on threes.

  One way to do that could be adding more bench scoring. Finding someone who can play alongside Payton Pritchard and bring an attacking mindset off the bench could help keep momentum going, especially in those moments when the starters are on the bench resting. It’s about making sure the offense doesn’t stall — even with a lead.

  Ian Inangelo

  What I learned from the playoffs this year is that building a culture with a core group of players is the most important aspect of being a championship caliber team. Look at the Pacers and Thunder. Last season both lost in the playoffs but with minor tweaks around an established young core they ran it back and won a championship.

  I’m not saying trading for the super stars isn’t a good idea for a franchise but establishing chemistry and culture within an organization is an important factor in winning. Looking at a team like the Suns for example who had a young core make the finals but wanted more so they traded for KD and Beal and abandoning the chemistry they built. Now they’re in purgatory.

  Patience is key and teams shouldn’t be so quick to pull the trigger on a star player that might look good on paper. Build from within and you will find success

  Mike Dynon

  What I hope the Celtics learned is that no lead is big enough and they need to stay aggressive and move the ball for 48 minutes. Not 36, not 42, all 48. They lost the Knicks series because they stopped doing what worked and blew 20-point leads two straight games. Both times, the Knicks were the aggressors and the Celtics failed to match that energy. In the fourth quarter of Game 1, Boston shot 4-21 (2-15 threes) and had just 2 assists for 16 points. We told ourselves that would not happen again, but Game 2 was more of the same: 5-24 (2-11) with 2 assists, 17 points.

  In this three-point dominant era, you can no longer just run out the clock, yet the Celtics habitually slow themselves down, with Tatum or Brown dribbling in place and no one moving. Or they try to speed up and take a three after one pass or none at all. When the opponent has all the momentum and you have none, your threes just don’t fall, and the pressure increases. We see it all the time in the NBA, and that’s what happened here.

  Contrast that to the Pacers’ fourth quarter of Game 6 versus the Knicks. They kept up the same pace that had given them the lead, attacked the paint and kicked to open shooters at the arc, or got middle-of-the-lane floaters from Haliburton. Their fourth quarter numbers: 13-20 (2-5), 7 assists, 33 points. Indiana was never in danger of losing their lead. The Celtics need to engrain that mentality into their system, and beef up the bench with players who have that mindset.

  Jake Issenberg

  My big takeaway from these year’s playoffs is that I think the Celtics leaned too much into variance this season. They upped their three point rate, and were one of the slowest teams in the league. There were obvious health issues with Porzingis and Jaylen that were the biggest factors in the Knicks loss. But the Celtics should still have won the series. I would implore Joe Mazzulla to focus on increasing the pace and randomness of the future Celtics offense. If they can become 11% more like the Pacers on offense it would benefit them greatly. More possessions equals less variance.

  Jeff Clark

  The Pacers proved that you can win with a high-paced, random offense, even in the playoffs where traditionally the pace has always slowed. The Celtics didn’t necessarily have the personnel to continually push the pace like Haliburton does, but Boston could have and should have played with more movement to bend the defense more. I know they were focused on mismatch hunting, but there are more ways to attack those mismatches than pure isolation. Jayson Tatum may always be a more deliberate player, and he’s proven he can thrive with that style, but I think as Brad Stevens reshapes his roster, he might want to target players that thrive in a more movement based offense. Likewise, I think Joe Mazzulla should focus on emphasizing those movement looks more when the offense gets stagnant. Next year will be a good time to experiment and tinker. What they were doing clearly worked last year, but the game evolves and you have to keep adapting too.