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

# 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.