The Boston Celtics not only beefed up their roster this offseason, but also their coaching staff, welcoming a brand new team ahead of opening night.
This opens several doors.
First, the Celtics can restore their culture, which is one of Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla’s top priorities. Unlike last season, when Mazzulla was thrust into the spotlight as a last-minute house upgrade, the second-year head coach now had the benefit of getting to know his supporting staff during the offseason, giving him a head start. in creating the scholarship.
“I think just creating that tribal environment of leadership, togetherness and ownership is something I’m really excited about and our staff has done a great job like this this offseason,” Mazzulla said at Celtics media day. “We came into this offseason wanting to create a work ethic, teaching and development environment, and I thought our staff and players jumped into that environment.”
3. Payton Pritchard
Payton Pritchard still has a lot to prove in a breakout year.
The undersized guard was put through the wringer last season, plowing through the floor and logging a career-low 13.4 minutes a night. That created an obvious mental challenge for Pritchard as he fell behind Marcus Smart, Derrick White and Malcolm Brogdon on Boston’s depth chart.
But now that two of those names are gone and signed to a four-year, $30 million deal, Pritchard is in the spotlight he’s been waiting for. The 25-year-old wasn’t committed to Boston — of course — but the Celtics made their position clear: The C’s believe in Pritchard.
So… where does Cassell come in here?
Well, like Pritchard, Cassell spent 15 seasons in the NBA as a blue-collar workhorse point guard. A longtime veteran, he brings experience and wisdom that Cassell — a respected former player — can lend to Pritchard in a huge year.
2. Joe Mazzulla
That’s right, the Celtics also addressed Mazzulla’s coaching debut during the offseason
At several points, especially during the season, the Celtics were troubled by Mazzulla’s inexperience as a head coach. Whether it was White’s lack of play in crunch moments or his inability to adjust in the Eastern Conference Finals, Mazzulla’s first year did not go well.
Once again, the Celtics were sluggish toward the end when they didn’t take advantage of the red carpet build-up to the NBA Finals.
If Ime Udoka and Damon Stoudamire would actually call, that would be very helpful, especially in high intensity situations. That can’t be understated, especially with a star-studded roster stacked not only to compete, but to win.
1. Jayson Tatum
The team’s mainstay, Jayson Tatum, is the sole leader in Boston’s win-or-loss season in 2023-24, especially with Boston’s current lineup.
In Cassell, Tatum has a basketball voice that can not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. Cassell made an All-Star game and played on three championship-winning teams.
Tatum’s potential, of course, cannot be questioned. For most of the 74 games played last season, Tatum was deep in the MVP. The scoring production was there, averaging a career-high 30.1 points and effectively leading one of the league’s elite offenses.
The real challenge covering most of Boston is getting the job done. The excuse jar for Boston’s early playoff exit is empty. However, Tatum’s bar is justifiably high, so using a resource like Cassell shouldn’t be a given for the 25-year-old.
