Our young wings development and future (Gonzalez, Walsh, Minott, Scheierman)

[RodyTur10]

I figured it makes sense to make a separate topic for a discussion about our young wings, because they have been a great surprise and have filled in the minutes that became available due to the Tatum injury and departure of some key players admirably. As others have mentioned the coaching staff in particular Mazzula deserves praise as the results so far have far exceeded expectations.

Now we don't necessarily have to make short term decisions on the four guys (Gonz?lez 19, Walsh 21, Minott 23, Scheierman 25), but I do wonder who has the brightest future and who might be a good trading chip for a potential upgrade of our center position.

I think many would say Baylor Scheierman is a bit slow footed and the most disposable (I mean this in the most clinical way and not as an insult), but if there's no market for him I'd keep him as he shows improvement, versatility and cheap roster depth is important. Offensively he's barely involved (9,6 % usage rate), so I'm still skeptical about his long term offensive efficiency.

The profile of Josh Minott makes you really wonder why Minnesota let this guy rot on the bench for three years until he demanded to be released. In particular because the Wolves have lacked depth for years. Strange. This has been a great signing by Stevens. I don't think this is a mirage. For me he has the tools to be a prototype 3-and-D player with his fysical attributes and demeanor. He would not just be a throw-in to complete a deal. Or am I to cought up in the moment and should we act on his good stats, because we have two even younger wings who may be even better?

The next guy to talk about is Jordan Walsh. They're thinking about nicknames and I call him "the Mutant". He looks like some weird Gen on NBA2K. Unhumanlike. That sounds disrespectful, but we can call it positively if we just link it to his ability to move and react on the court that's remarkably impactful. So far he has been the ultimate Swiss army knife and if he can keep this up I see no reason why he wouldn't be able to play in basically any line-up combination. Where does this come from? A draft steal in hindsight? And if teams are coveting for his services should we firmly reject those or use him to get a starting center or point guard?

The rookie on the team at just 19 years of age, Hugo Gonzalez, has already gotten some valuable learning minutes in which he has shown a lot of potential. He's strong, decent leaper for rebounds or blocks, can defend and create steals, shoot and drive a bit. But of course it's all a bit rough. I think it's very hard to determine his ceiling at this point. I don't think trading makes any sense, because he doesn't have the draft hype to lend you a star. Let's see what we've got first.

At first sight none of them may look like a future All Star, but I value cheap players who can hold their own on the court and create steals, deflections or rebounds without a lot of turnovers a lot. Personally I believe the ability to add and secure possessions is generally undervalued. Which is why I've always loved White, because of his BBIQ and mentality, as a real star player.

And as a side note this might be the key to the success of the OKC Thunder. Just look at the absolutely ridiculous combination of characteristics for their leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this season: USG 33% / AST 34% / TO 7% / BLK 2.1% / ST 2.1% / TS 69%.

So I find watching the Celtics this season very enjoyable and in particular this set of guys. But the focus should always be on competing for championships (now or later) and making the hard decisions to do so. A new window may have opened unexpectingly. But we know that we have to add quality and quantity at center and that Simons is not the right piece for this team as the third guard.