Celtics Regular Season News 2024-25

[Goldstar88]

Training camp is underway!

Update from KP:

I?m running, I?m on the court shooting, normal, Porzingis said. I?m doing a lot of stuff honestly. I was already doing some stuff with light contact also and felt really good afterwards. I think it?s a really good sign that we had from the other day and I?m optimistic as always.

Brad Stevens on Lonnie Walker:

He?s a guy that was very excited to be here, Stevens said. I think his relationship with Derrick, he?s worked out with Jrue a lot in the summers, in previous summers. And I think that there was an eagerness to be around those guys and to try a new situation. And so, obviously he?s got a lot of talent, he?s done a lot of good things in the NBA and we?ll see how it fits and plays itself out. And just like we will with all the other 21 players on the roster.

[jpotter33]

https://www.celticsblog.com/2024/9/24/24253395/jayson-tatum-confirms-hes-been-working-on-his-jump-shot-boston-celtics-media-day-2024-nba-champions

Tatum has reportedly been working on altering his shooting mechanics since his shooting slump that started towards the end of the season. It's not reflected in this story, but I read elsewhere that he started to develop a slight hitch in his form that he's been working with Drew Hanlen to address.

Hopefully he gets it worked out to start the season, as with the other improvements in his playmaking and getting to the rim, he'll be dang near unstoppable if he gets his shooting touch back.

[No Nickname]

https://www.celticsblog.com/2024/9/24/24253395/jayson-tatum-confirms-hes-been-working-on-his-jump-shot-boston-celtics-media-day-2024-nba-champions

Tatum has reportedly been working on altering his shooting mechanics since his shooting slump that started towards the end of the season. It's not reflected in this story, but I read elsewhere that he started to develop a slight hitch in his form that he's been working with Drew Hanlen to address.

Hopefully he gets it worked out to start the season, as with the other improvements in his playmaking and getting to the rim, he'll be dang near unstoppable if he gets his shooting touch back.

Tatum's "mechanical hitch" was mentioned twice in this ESPN article yesterday.

"Unable to get into any kind of rhythm, and still struggling to work through a mechanical issue with his jumper that arose during the playoffs, Tatum averaged 5.25 points, 5.25 rebounds and 1.5 assists in less than 18 minutes per game. He hit just 38% from the floor in the four games he played, and he missed all four of his 3-point attempts."

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41400876/boston-celtics-championship-honeymoon-12-days

[Phantom255x]

While it was kind of funny, I just feel like we're now gonna lose to the Pistons lol. Also it's kind of crazy for him to just say this out loud in public:

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1838638833207738822

Jaylen says Boston usually play through players like Payton Pritchard & Sam Hauser vs teams like Detroit

?We gonna play through Payton, let him go for 30. Play through Sam, let him shoot 10 threes tonight. We gonna still win the game?

(@ohnohedidnt24)

[Atzar]

While it was kind of funny, I just feel like we're now gonna lose to the Pistons lol. Also it's kind of crazy for him to just say this out loud in public:

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1838638833207738822

Jaylen says Boston usually play through players like Payton Pritchard & Sam Hauser vs teams like Detroit

?We gonna play through Payton, let him go for 30. Play through Sam, let him shoot 10 threes tonight. We gonna still win the game?

(@ohnohedidnt24)

Sam was about to drop 50 in that one game against the Wizards before he hurt his ankle, lol. 

[SparzWizard]

While it was kind of funny, I just feel like we're now gonna lose to the Pistons lol. Also it's kind of crazy for him to just say this out loud in public:

https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1838638833207738822

Jaylen says Boston usually play through players like Payton Pritchard & Sam Hauser vs teams like Detroit

?We gonna play through Payton, let him go for 30. Play through Sam, let him shoot 10 threes tonight. We gonna still win the game?

(@ohnohedidnt24)

ECF MVP,  Finals MVP, and NBA champion can do that to you. Big bragging rights lol

[Goldstar88]

I?m guessing this is why he didn?t play as much as many had hoped.

Bobby Manning: Xavier Tillman said he dealt with bad swelling throughout last year after games and he addressed it with surgery on July 30. He?s recovered well and is a full go for camp.  via Twitter RealBobManning

[Big333223]

I?m guessing this is why he didn?t play as much as many had hoped.

Bobby Manning: Xavier Tillman said he dealt with bad swelling throughout last year after games and he addressed it with surgery on July 30. He?s recovered well and is a full go for camp.  via Twitter RealBobManning

I was surprised he didn't get more run than he got last year, this would possibly explain that. Hopefully he is good to go and we'll see more of him this season.

All good news from Porzingis and his surgery, too. I still won't plan on seeing him until 2025 but if he plays before that I'll be happy to see him.

Also nice to hear Tatum is aware of something going on with his shot and that he's working on it.

[Vermont Green]

Tillman has never played more than 61 games in a season.  Last season he had 54 combined between BOS and MEM.  I was not that familiar with his game/career before he joined BOS, but durability seems to be an issue.  I do agree though, that he was not 100% last season while with BOS.

He is going to have plenty of opportunity this season though, especially with Porzingis out for a chunk at the start of the season.  If he can stay healthy, I think/hope we will see a better version of him as a player.  Plus there is the Derrick White effect (that you don't see the best of a player when they join an established team mid season).  So hopefully he will be healthier and better acclimated, leading to better overall play.

[Goldstar88]

Lonnie Walker: Brad Stevens mentioned there?s a possibility that I might spend some time in the G-League with Maine, and honestly, I?m perfectly fine with that you gotta take it on the chin, you gotta continue to work, you gotta continue to be prepared and just keep being ready.

I gotta earn it, Walker IV said, recalling his conversation with Brad Stevens. Being on an E10, it?s not guaranteed. I?m not coming in here with the mindset of ok, I?m on an E10 and afterward, I?m gonna get the guaranteed contract. It?s like yo, I gotta work my tail off. I really have to, each and every day, put it all on the court. First one in the gym, hopefully the last one out. Come back later on and shoot, and just be physically and mentally prepared for the outcome.   via CLNSMedia.com

[Atzar]

Kid is saying all the right things.  Hope he makes the final roster.  I think we could potentially use him on nights when Pritchard's size is adversely impacting our defense. 

[Vermont Green]

The problem is that there just aren?t any minutes for him unless there is an injury. He would be insurance.  Very expensive insurance due to the taxes. If everyone plays about the same minutes as last season, he and Springer mostly sit.  It would be great for the Celtics if he took a G-League deal. 

[Phantom255x]

I'm still in shock that Lonnie Walker was still available a month ago. He has some flaws but come on, you can't be telling me he's not better than a good chunk of the players on teams like Charlotte and Detroit?

Even on the C's, I think he can absolutely be a nice 10th man. I love Hauser/Pritchard/Kornet but are we saying they are "significantly" better than Lonnie? I'd say they are definitely above the depth chart but after that, he's definitely ahead of the likes of Walsh, Springer, JD, probably also Queta/Schiermann for now.

Now if the debate is about contract and luxury tax implications, then sure. But if that was a real risk idk why they'd even sign him to begin with and go through the process.

[radiohead]

The problem is that there just aren?t any minutes for him unless there is an injury. He would be insurance.  Very expensive insurance due to the taxes. If everyone plays about the same minutes as last season, he and Springer mostly sit.  It would be great for the Celtics if he took a G-League deal.

I think i saw an interview of him saying he was willing to go to the  Celtics? G-League team if he doesn?t make the main squad. Walker?s situation is really curious. I mean doesn?t any NBA team want him? I?ve never heard of any stories about him being a bad teammate, and he?s certainly shown that he can be a legit NBA player.

[Goldstar88]

Practice highlights from yesterday.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IPWuBhmG3Ek&pp=ygUOYm9zdG9uIGNlbHRpY3M%3D