3 Boston Celtics youngsters who could take a leap in the 2021-22 NBA season

The infusion of young blood in the Boston Celtics lineup is primed to bear results in the upcoming 2021-22 NBA season. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to lead the Cs, but the youthful bench rotation is poised to provide even more firepower than before.

After barely avoiding a sweep against the Brooklyn Nets in last year’s playoffs, the Boston Celtics are gearing up for another run at the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy. As the NBA reverts to its usual 82-game season, some of the Celtics youngsters could prove to be more valuable than many are expecting them to be. The long season and the threat of the pandemic will make this NBA campaign a battle of attrition as much as talent and skill.

Boston Celtics youngsters to watch out for

On that note, here's the trio of young Boston Celtics players that could potentially help take this franchise to the promised land.

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#3 Payton Pritchard

Payton Pritchard playing against the Indiana Pacers

Payton Pritchard has already created some buzz with his performances in the 2021 Summer League, where he averaged 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.5 assists per game. He also lit up the Portland Pro-Am event with an insane display of scoring prowess. The former Pac-12 Player of the Year is no slouch on defense either. Despite his physical limitations, he loves to play hard while defending the basket.

Josh Henschke of 247sports.com posted this report in 2019 on what former NBA player and current Michigan State coach, Juwan Howard, had to say about Payton Pritchard:

"He's a tough competitor, he's a great shooter. He's a gamer. When the game is on the line, he wants the ball in his hands. He's shown he can do special things for himself and as far as the team, making great decisions with the ball to create scoring opportunities for his teammates."

As a backup point guard for the Boston Celtics, he will provide quality minutes while Dennis Schroder and Marcus Smart get a breather. There will be little slack in production when the starting backcourt is on the bench because of the improvements that Pritchard has worked on in his game.

After playing against elite point guards as a rookie, the former Oregon Duck is on his way to a promising campaign for the Boston Celtics.

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#2 Aaron Nesmith

Aaron Nesmith goes for a dunk in one of the Boston Celtics' games

Aaron Nesmith was picked 14th overall by the Boston Celtics in a seemingly stacked 2020 NBA Draft class. Standing at 6’5 with a mouthwatering 7-foot wingspan, Nesmith is the prototype of the modern basketball player.

Nesmith hit 52.2% of his three-point attempts during his sophomore year at Vanderbilt and his potential is almost unlimited from beyond the arc. However, the speed of the game and the physicality of the players in the NBA is entirely different and that delayed Nesmith's skills from coming forth during his rookie year.

Playing in the Summer League showcased the strides he has made in his game. Although still a deadly shooter, he now brings more versatility than what he showed in his first NBA season.

Boston Celtics Summer League coaches agree that he now has more hustle and all-out effort every time he is on the floor. With this development, he will have more chance of staying on the floor even if the shots won't fall for him.

Several scouts predicted him to be a role player at best, but the Celtics saw more in him after a maiden season. The combination of size, length, and deadly accuracy could make Nesmith the X-factor in the Cs' rotation.

Putting Aaron Nesmith on the floor together with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown opens a ton of space for drives and kickouts. His presence will make the Boston Celtics offense harder to predict and contain compared to a year ago. The threat of Nesmith's shooting alone could stress and stretch opposing defenses.

#1 Robert Williams

Robert Williams playing defense on Kyrie Irving

Robert Williams could easily have one of the biggest impacts on the Boston Celtics this season. Other than the veteran Al Horford, the Celtics just lack a true big man who can patrol the middle and force misses near the rim.

Williams' significantly improved defense and nose for the ball can be a difference-maker in the playoffs. Williams could be the starter or come off the bench based on how new head coach Ime Udoka plays his cards.

The third-year center's performance against the Brooklyn Nets offered a glimpse of what he offers the Boston Celtics when healthy. When the lights were brightest, Robert Williams played his best against a historically great KD-led offense.

Brad Stevens believes in the realization of Williams' potential, and the front office officially signed him to an extension this offseason.