Latest news with #TaylorTalksCeltics
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
What have we learned from the Boston Celtics first week of Summer League?
The Boston Celtics are 2-1 over the opening week of Las Vegas Summer League. Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman headline the Sin City Celtics roster, with recently acquired rookies Max Shulga, Amari Williams and Hugo Gonzalez also part of the roster. However, it's been the late addition of Charles Bassey who has stolen the show with some high-level performances. Given the Celtics' position as a re-tooling roster, there are some additional incentives to impress while in Las Vegas. Joe Mazzulla has gaps that need to be filled in his rotation. As such, we're seeing some highly competitive performances from multiple members of Matt Reynolds' roster. Unfortunately for Walsh, that competitive spirit led him to being ejected against the Miami Heat on Monday, July 14. In a July 15 episode of the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast, hosts Adam Taylor and Billy Calabrese discussed the Celtics Summer League performances so far, dissecting which players have stood out, who has underwhelmed and what they're hoping to see over the final few contests. You can watch the full podcast episode by clicking on the embedded video above. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
USA Today
12 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Boston Celtics \
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White have both been floated in trade rumors throughout the opening weeks of the NBA offseason. The Boston Celtics have been retooling their roster following the Achilles injury that Jayson Tatum sustained during the playoffs against the New York Knicks. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have already been moved on via trade. Luke Kornet left in free agency, signing with the San Antonio Spurs, while Al Horford is yet to decide on his future. During a recent appearance on CLNS Media's "The Garden Report" podcast, NBA Insider Jake Fischer revealed that Boston "never really planned" on moving Brown or White via a trade. As such, White and Brown will be the top two options in Joe Mazzulla's rotation next season. "I think all along there was never really a plan to move Jaylen or Derrick," Fischer said. "So I don't think anything got close, and I don't think they were really willing to move those guys either. Like, you would have had to make a trade—Desmond Bane, Mikal Bridges–type of offer—for Derrick White. And honestly, for Jaylen—as great as he is—I think a lot of teams look at his salary number and go: 'Why would you be paying what Boston values him at, for that contract?' Tatum won't be on the injury report forever. At worst, he will return to the rotation for the 2026-27 season. Therefore, trading away other top-level stars for a one-season gap year doesn't make sense. Sure, the Celtics have some cap space issues, but there are other ways to approach getting under the second apron. Stevens achieved that goal momentarily, before Josh Minott put the team marginally back over the second luxury tax line. Stevens has made some tough decisions this summer and will likely need to make a few more in the coming weeks and months. Nevertheless, unless a mammoth deal crosses the Celtics' desk, Brown and White should be part of the lineup this season, and in the years to come when Boston is back to contending for championships. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Celtics' Jordan Walsh reveals message from Joe Mazzulla after ejection
The Summer League Celtics dropped their first game of the tournament on Monday, July 14, losing to the Miami Heat 96-100. Jordan Walsh's ejection in the second quarter likely played a roll in the defeat. Walsh, 21, was having his best game thus far, before picking up two consecutive technical fouls, the second of which saw him push Pelle Larsson into the stands where Brad Stevens, Mike Zarren and new Celtics owner Bill Chisholm were sitting. Despite Walsh's poor decision-making, it would appear that Joe Mazzulla was a fan of the fire and fight that Walsh displayed on the court. When speaking to reporters in attendance after the game, Walsh shared a message Mazzulla had sent him via text. 'As soon as I got ejected, I got to the locker room, I checked my phone, He was texting me, 'I loved this out of you,'' Walsh said. 'So take that for what it is, but Joe was hype.' Mazzulla has developed a reputation for his unique approach to coaching and how he looks to challenge his players both mentally and physically. As such, it should come as no surprise that Walsh's heated moment was something that endeared him to the championship-winning coach. Nevertheless, Walsh will likely want to avoid such lapses in judgment moving forward. After all, minutes are up for grabs this season, and mistakes like the one against Miami could harm his chances of cementing himself as part of the team's rotation moving forward. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Boston Celtics lose free agent forward to the Charlotte Hornets
Last season, Drew Peterson looked close to earning the 15th and final roster spot with the Boston Celtics. He impressed during preseason, notably during the two games against the Denver Nuggets in Abu Dhabi. And, he had some solid showings early in the NBA season. However, as Boston's 2024-25 campaign continued, Peterson became an afterthought and was back to developing his skillset with the Maine Celtics in the G League. Peterson played in 15 games for Maine last season. He averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6 assists, shooting 40.4% from 3-point range and 44.2% from the field. The 6-foot-9 forward also suited up in 25 contests for the Celtics, where he shot 39.4% from the 3-point line. However, Peterson has now made the decision to move on from Boston. According to a July 15 report from ESPN's Shams Charania, Peterson has signed a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets. He will now team back up with Charles Lee, with whom he worked throughout the 2023-24 season when both were with the Celtics. Charlotte is in the very early stages of a roster rebuild. Peterson likely sees an opportunity to impress in the G League and potentially earn his way into Lee's rotation, with the hope of landing a full-time NBA contract. After coming close to cracking Boston's highly competitive roster last season, he is smart to bet on himself with the Hornets. Peterson has made a move that could benefit his career. Now, the challenge is proving himself to a new coaching staff. If he can stay focused, he could be fighting for a rotational role in the NBA before too long. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Celtics' Jayson Tatum reportedly recruiting 9-Time All-Star to Boston
Damian Lillard continues to be linked with the Boston Celtics. The 9-time All-Star is currently a free agent, having seen his contract get waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard, who is currently recovering from an Achilles tendon tear, is likely to have multiple suitors around the NBA, as teams look to secure his services despite him likely being out for the season. According to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, Jayson Tatum is playing a significant role in recruiting Lillard to the TD Garden. Tatum is also out due to an Achilles tear, but it would appear that he's already planning for his return to the rotation, either toward the end of the 25-26 season or at the start of the 26-27 campaign. 'Damian Lillard remains a free agent but is considering his options, and the Celtics are indeed one of them,' Washburn wrote. 'According to NBA sources, Tatum has been active in recruiting Lillard to Boston, and the market for the point guard is limited because his injury will prevent him from likely playing most of next season. Lillard sustained his injury on April 27, 15 days prior to Tatum's injury.' Lillard, 34, spent two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, but was unable to taste the success he craves. During his tenure with the franchise, he averaged 24.6 points, 7 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game, shooting 43.4% from the field and 36.4% from deep. Despite his undoubted talent, Lillard would need to adjust his play style in order to fit with the Celtics. He wouldn't be able to dominate touches and usage rate, as he would likely be the third option behind Tatum and Jaylen Brown. As such, it would be interesting to see whether he could sacrifice some of his own offense if it meant contending for a championship. Celtics fans will undoubtedly be hoping they can find out the answer to that question. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
