5 players to watch out in the Boston Celtics’ training camp and pre-season

The Boston Celtics finished the regular season of the 2020-21 NBA campaign with an even 36-36 record. If not for Jayson Tatum’s spectacular 50-point outing in Game 3, the Celtics would have been unceremoniously swept by the Brooklyn Nets.

The loss of Jaylen Brown to a wrist injury and the short-lived playoffs stint left a bad taste in the mouth of Celtics brass.

Disappointed with last season’s results, the C's front office added veteran help to balance out the roster. There is hope that the new acquisitions and further development of the young guns will make the Celtics stronger and more competitive this season.

Boston just opened training camp and are looking forward to the preseason to give their revamped lineup time to gel.

In a season where the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets are prohibitive favorites to win the East, the Boston Celtics are trusting their offseason moves and a leap in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s games to propel them to the top of the East.

---

Boston Celtics players who can help the team battle the best in the league

#5 Josh Richardson’s defense and shooting

Boston Celtics featuring Josh Richardson during Media Day.

It’s no secret that new coach Ime Udoka will emphasize defense. If the Boston Celtics can’t match elite teams with firepower, defense would be their calling card. Richardson’s lateral quickness and grit will be ideal reasons to give him minutes. He could pair with Marcus Smart to smother the opposing team’s backcourt.

Richardson has been a terrific catch and shoot guy. There is more reason to give him time on the floor if he continues with that aspect of his game. Even if those shots won’t fall yet, seeing how he works on the defensive side of the ball could give Celtics fans optimism or disappointment.

#4 The playmaking and offense of Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder presented during the Boston Celtics Media Day

Dennis Schroder averaged 15.4 PPG in his lone season with the Los Angeles Lakers as the third option in offense after LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He can reprise that role with the Boston Celtics despite coming off the bench.

Boston’s bench could use a jolt of scoring and playmaking that was lacking last season. Schroder should be the perfect guy to fill these roles.

Dennis Schroder is a proven veteran who can run an offense. Monitoring how he elevates the game of the bench guys would be something to look forward to. If he plays as expected and chemistry develops, Boston’s bench could be a compelling reason why the Cs become contenders.

# 3 Can Marcus Smart effectively run the Boston Celtics offense?

Marcus Smart brings the ball for the Boston Celtics.

Marcus Smart normed 5.7 assists in the regular season and raised it to 6 a game in the post-season of last year’s NBA campaign for the Boston Celtics. These numbers are quite solid and could justify Udoka’s choice of giving Smart the ball more often this season.

Smart is not the flashy point guard the Celtics have had in the past like Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker, but his instinct to make the right play is something that can’t be undervalued.

It’s not going to be a surprise to see Marcus Smart handling point guard duties for the Boston Celtics. How well he consistently plays the role will be a question that the Celtics' coaching staff and fans will be looking out for.

# 2 Robert Williams' improved play and health

Robert Williams grabbing a rebound against the Toronto Raptors.

The East playoffs will most likely feature Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid and Bam Adebayo. To have a chance of going far in the playoffs, the Boston Celtics must have an interior presence that can at least make life miserable for these players.

The Celtics just extended Robert Williams to a four-year $54 million contract. Boston is putting their hopes on an oft-injured player to not only stay healthy but achieve his enormous potential. Williams’ budding talent and skills are only just emerging. If he can fulfill half of that promise, the Celtics will be tough to deal with.

A left ankle sprain sidelined Williams in last year’s playoffs. Although the injury is somewhat minor, he has had different injuries that have cost him games in the past. Williams’ game shape and health should be monitored as the Celtics start pre-season soon.

#1 Jaylen Brown's full recovery and health

Jaylen Brown after making a layup against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jaylen Brown’s health should be the primary concern of the entire Boston Celtics organization. Brown joined the training camp and was happy to be at 85% in his recovery. He has been doing drills with trainers in the offseason. However, how he reacts to live game action and how he feels after a game will be worth keeping an eye on.

Simply put, Jayson Tatum alone can’t put the team on his back and battle the elite teams in the NBA. Seeing a fully fit and healthy Jaylen Brown in training camp or pre-season will be cause for celebration as the season unfolds for the Celtics.