Cavaliers (0-2) at Celtics (1-1) Preseason Game #3 10/12/25

[Vermont Green]

i like minott, as i have stated above. but watching highlight videos shows me that he is talented, but he is still rather thin to push and bump other teams' centers and pf. i think after a season of weights and building up his muscle he will be much stronger.

that, unfortunately, does not help the celtics this year. 

He will be 23 in November.  Still some opportunity to "fill out" but at 23, you are most of the way through your natural growth.  You can still add bulk through weights.  I am not too worried about whether Minott helps this year.  BOS has a team option for next season.  I am fine if this season is about bulking up and finding a role.  It is more about whether he can develop into a player that can help in 2026-27 when Tatum is back.

He has a nearly 7' wingspan.  He is 6'-8".  I don't expect he is going to bulk up all that much.  But I think he can be a useful player nonetheless.  He has about the same length dimensions as Jarred Vanderbilt, but is only 205 lbs vs 215 lbs.  I think Minott is quicker and more skilled than Vanderbilt.  Vanderbilt can give a good team 20 useful minutes off the bench.  I would take that from Minott for 2026-27.

[Phantom255x]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

[Neurotic Guy]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

The way this year may play out without JT, we could see JB, DW, and PP at maximum value. All three should up their scoring averages and have more opportunity to display their talent and leadership skills.  I think there is too much talent on this team to think that, barring injury, they?ll be bad enough to tank.

By the deadline, Brads head could be whirling with various thoughts of possible options for next years Big Four.

[slamtheking]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

The way this year may play out without JT, we could see JB, DW, and PP at maximum value. All three should up their scoring averages and have more opportunity to display their talent and leadership skills.  I think there is too much talent on this team to think that, barring injury, they?ll be bad enough to tank.

By the deadline, Brads head could be whirling with various thoughts of possible options for next years Big Four.

there's not enough talent on this team not to tank.  having those 3 on offense, in addition to Hauser and Simons while we still have him, should provide a pretty good offense this year but only JB and
White are plus defenders out of the scoring group.  Our bigs are horrid.  They will not be able to make up for bad defenders on the perimeter and they are showing so far that the concerns with the team's ability to defend the paint/rim as well as rebound (especially rebound) is epically woeful and will be this team's primary downfall. 

[Neurotic Guy]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

The way this year may play out without JT, we could see JB, DW, and PP at maximum value. All three should up their scoring averages and have more opportunity to display their talent and leadership skills.  I think there is too much talent on this team to think that, barring injury, they?ll be bad enough to tank.

By the deadline, Brads head could be whirling with various thoughts of possible options for next years Big Four.

there's not enough talent on this team not to tank.  having those 3 on offense, in addition to Hauser and Simons while we still have him, should provide a pretty good offense this year but only JB and
White are plus defenders out of the scoring group.  Our bigs are horrid.  They will not be able to make up for bad defenders on the perimeter and they are showing so far that the concerns with the team's ability to defend the paint/rim as well as rebound (especially rebound) is epically woeful and will be this team's primary downfall.

Hah! Well I wouldn?t bet on me being correct but I think this is a .500 team in the East.  Hope you are correct - would love the value of a lottery pick.

[Phantom255x]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

The way this year may play out without JT, we could see JB, DW, and PP at maximum value. All three should up their scoring averages and have more opportunity to display their talent and leadership skills.  I think there is too much talent on this team to think that, barring injury, they?ll be bad enough to tank.

By the deadline, Brads head could be whirling with various thoughts of possible options for next years Big Four.

there's not enough talent on this team not to tank.  having those 3 on offense, in addition to Hauser and Simons while we still have him, should provide a pretty good offense this year but only JB and
White are plus defenders out of the scoring group.  Our bigs are horrid.  They will not be able to make up for bad defenders on the perimeter and they are showing so far that the concerns with the team's ability to defend the paint/rim as well as rebound (especially rebound) is epically woeful and will be this team's primary downfall.

Hah! Well I wouldn?t bet on me being correct but I think this is a .500 team in the East.  Hope you are correct - would love the value of a lottery pick.

I think we're gonna get wrecked especially when we go up against teams with elite frontcourts (like the Bucks with Giannis + Turner, or the Cavs with their size, etc.). And obviously the other unicorns like Wemby. Our biggest concern this season is easily the frontcourt and I don't think relying on us hitting 3s and simply outscoring others is gonna work.

They could still be a play-in team, but if they are in that range then maybe they can shut guys down and lose some games late to secure a lottery pick. I'm not really interested in sneaking in, playing a round and losing quick.

[Neurotic Guy]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

The way this year may play out without JT, we could see JB, DW, and PP at maximum value. All three should up their scoring averages and have more opportunity to display their talent and leadership skills.  I think there is too much talent on this team to think that, barring injury, they?ll be bad enough to tank.

By the deadline, Brads head could be whirling with various thoughts of possible options for next years Big Four.

there's not enough talent on this team not to tank.  having those 3 on offense, in addition to Hauser and Simons while we still have him, should provide a pretty good offense this year but only JB and
White are plus defenders out of the scoring group.  Our bigs are horrid.  They will not be able to make up for bad defenders on the perimeter and they are showing so far that the concerns with the team's ability to defend the paint/rim as well as rebound (especially rebound) is epically woeful and will be this team's primary downfall.

Hah! Well I wouldn?t bet on me being correct but I think this is a .500 team in the East.  Hope you are correct - would love the value of a lottery pick.

I think we're gonna get wrecked especially when we go up against teams with elite frontcourts (like the Bucks with Giannis + Turner, or the Cavs with their size, etc.). And obviously the other unicorns like Wemby. Our biggest concern this season is easily the frontcourt and I don't think relying on us hitting 3s and simply outscoring others is gonna work.

They could still be a play-in team, but if they are in that range then maybe they can shut guys down and lose some games late to secure a lottery pick. I'm not really interested in sneaking in, playing a round and losing quick.

I agree with you but I have huge doubt that Brad and Joe and players will conspire to hold out healthy players to lose.  Just don?t see it.  If they are terrible - on a 30-win pace - more likely they?ll decide to play the youth more.

[Phantom255x]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

The way this year may play out without JT, we could see JB, DW, and PP at maximum value. All three should up their scoring averages and have more opportunity to display their talent and leadership skills.  I think there is too much talent on this team to think that, barring injury, they?ll be bad enough to tank.

By the deadline, Brads head could be whirling with various thoughts of possible options for next years Big Four.

there's not enough talent on this team not to tank.  having those 3 on offense, in addition to Hauser and Simons while we still have him, should provide a pretty good offense this year but only JB and
White are plus defenders out of the scoring group.  Our bigs are horrid.  They will not be able to make up for bad defenders on the perimeter and they are showing so far that the concerns with the team's ability to defend the paint/rim as well as rebound (especially rebound) is epically woeful and will be this team's primary downfall.

Hah! Well I wouldn?t bet on me being correct but I think this is a .500 team in the East.  Hope you are correct - would love the value of a lottery pick.

I think we're gonna get wrecked especially when we go up against teams with elite frontcourts (like the Bucks with Giannis + Turner, or the Cavs with their size, etc.). And obviously the other unicorns like Wemby. Our biggest concern this season is easily the frontcourt and I don't think relying on us hitting 3s and simply outscoring others is gonna work.

They could still be a play-in team, but if they are in that range then maybe they can shut guys down and lose some games late to secure a lottery pick. I'm not really interested in sneaking in, playing a round and losing quick.

I agree with you but I have huge doubt that Brad and Joe and players will conspire to hold out healthy players to lose.  Just don?t see it.  If they are terrible - on a 30-win pace - more likely they?ll decide to play the youth more.

I don't either. I mean I don't like being in this situation lol, I'd prefer to be competitive, a firm playoff team and make a bit of a run even if it just means winning a round. But the frontcourt situation just looks hopeless, especially if Queta/Tillman aren't gonna make strides. Garza may be okay, and I like Minott, but still. I like Boucher as a solid PF though.

Idk what happened with Tillman, he was great with MEM in 2022 and was solid for a stretch in 2024. He's still just 26 yet plays like a washed-up veteran. Wonder what injuries he's dealt with or is dealing with now to cause it. There's a reason many including myself saw shades of Horford in him.

[slamtheking]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

The way this year may play out without JT, we could see JB, DW, and PP at maximum value. All three should up their scoring averages and have more opportunity to display their talent and leadership skills.  I think there is too much talent on this team to think that, barring injury, they?ll be bad enough to tank.

By the deadline, Brads head could be whirling with various thoughts of possible options for next years Big Four.

there's not enough talent on this team not to tank.  having those 3 on offense, in addition to Hauser and Simons while we still have him, should provide a pretty good offense this year but only JB and
White are plus defenders out of the scoring group.  Our bigs are horrid.  They will not be able to make up for bad defenders on the perimeter and they are showing so far that the concerns with the team's ability to defend the paint/rim as well as rebound (especially rebound) is epically woeful and will be this team's primary downfall.

Hah! Well I wouldn?t bet on me being correct but I think this is a .500 team in the East.  Hope you are correct - would love the value of a lottery pick.

I think we're gonna get wrecked especially when we go up against teams with elite frontcourts (like the Bucks with Giannis + Turner, or the Cavs with their size, etc.). And obviously the other unicorns like Wemby. Our biggest concern this season is easily the frontcourt and I don't think relying on us hitting 3s and simply outscoring others is gonna work.

They could still be a play-in team, but if they are in that range then maybe they can shut guys down and lose some games late to secure a lottery pick. I'm not really interested in sneaking in, playing a round and losing quick.

every team has a better frontcourt than us.  they all have at least 1 big man that's better than anyone we have, if not having all their big men bigger than any of ours.

[Surferdad]

If they can identify a few key bench/fringe-starter pieces over the next year (guys like Minott, Boucher, Hugo, etc.) for the "next core" and then flip Simons + pick(s) for a PF/C while Tatum returns 2027, that'd set us up wonderfully for beyond 2026.

For now, still think a tank of sorts for a lottery pick is the best way to go.

I do like the idea of White, Jaylen, Tatum, Pritchard, PF/C and then a bench group with guys like Hauser, Hugo, Minott, Boucher beyond this upcoming season. Idk who they target with center but I'll trust Brad. It's definitely not Queta/Tillman long term. I guess Queta can still be a solid 3rd big. Boucher is a solid PF, but need an actual solid center long term after losing all of Horford/Kornet/KP

The way this year may play out without JT, we could see JB, DW, and PP at maximum value. All three should up their scoring averages and have more opportunity to display their talent and leadership skills.  I think there is too much talent on this team to think that, barring injury, they?ll be bad enough to tank.

By the deadline, Brads head could be whirling with various thoughts of possible options for next years Big Four.

there's not enough talent on this team not to tank.  having those 3 on offense, in addition to Hauser and Simons while we still have him, should provide a pretty good offense this year but only JB and
White are plus defenders out of the scoring group.  Our bigs are horrid.  They will not be able to make up for bad defenders on the perimeter and they are showing so far that the concerns with the team's ability to defend the paint/rim as well as rebound (especially rebound) is epically woeful and will be this team's primary downfall.

Hah! Well I wouldn?t bet on me being correct but I think this is a .500 team in the East.  Hope you are correct - would love the value of a lottery pick.

I think we're gonna get wrecked especially when we go up against teams with elite frontcourts (like the Bucks with Giannis + Turner, or the Cavs with their size, etc.). And obviously the other unicorns like Wemby. Our biggest concern this season is easily the frontcourt and I don't think relying on us hitting 3s and simply outscoring others is gonna work.

They could still be a play-in team, but if they are in that range then maybe they can shut guys down and lose some games late to secure a lottery pick. I'm not really interested in sneaking in, playing a round and losing quick.

I agree with you but I have huge doubt that Brad and Joe and players will conspire to hold out healthy players to lose.  Just don?t see it.  If they are terrible - on a 30-win pace - more likely they?ll decide to play the youth more.

Well the one player they could legitimately hold out would be Tatum. It appears he could be on track to return with 10-20 games left which presumably would improve their odds of winning games down the stretch. They could hold him out without too many accusations of tanking.

[Vermont Green]

I agree with you but I have huge doubt that Brad and Joe and players will conspire to hold out healthy players to lose.  Just don't see it.  If they are terrible - on a 30-win pace - more likely they'll decide to play the youth more.

Dallas did it in 2023, and it wasn't pretty.  It was very blatant.  I agree, I don't expect anything as blatant as what DAL did.  But I do expect BOS to treat it as a developmental year.  It is a fine line to navigate.

As to Tatum, if fully healed and full strength, I would be fine with him getting some run at the end of the season.  I think he would be that much better for it next season.  But on a strict minutes limit.  No playing 40+ minutes in a play-in game or anything like that.

It will be a difficult thing to navigate.

[Celtics2021]

I agree with you but I have huge doubt that Brad and Joe and players will conspire to hold out healthy players to lose.  Just don't see it.  If they are terrible - on a 30-win pace - more likely they'll decide to play the youth more.

Dallas did it in 2023, and it wasn't pretty.  It was very blatant.  I agree, I don't expect anything as blatant as what DAL did.  But I do expect BOS to treat it as a developmental year.  It is a fine line to navigate.

As to Tatum, if fully healed and full strength, I would be fine with him getting some run at the end of the season.  I think he would be that much better for it next season.  But on a strict minutes limit.  No playing 40+ minutes in a play-in game or anything like that.

It will be a difficult thing to navigate.

I believe Dallas owed a protected pick, so they had a greater incentive for such a strategy.  The Celtics will not have a late-season tank choice of picking in the 7-10 range vs. no pick, as Dallas had.  They would instead face the possibility of picking 5-10 spots worse depending on how they performed in the play-in tournament. 

When Tatum is ready, I think the Celtics will at worst be in the play-in seedings, if not outright in the playoff seedings.  The Celtics organization has too much pride to hold Tatum out of those games if he is ready if they can make the playoffs.  And a Celtics team with Tatum as a low seed is one that top seeds hope to avoid, as we would be better than our seeding.

[Vermont Green]

I agree with you but I have huge doubt that Brad and Joe and players will conspire to hold out healthy players to lose.  Just don't see it.  If they are terrible - on a 30-win pace - more likely they'll decide to play the youth more.

Dallas did it in 2023, and it wasn't pretty.  It was very blatant.  I agree, I don't expect anything as blatant as what DAL did.  But I do expect BOS to treat it as a developmental year.  It is a fine line to navigate.

As to Tatum, if fully healed and full strength, I would be fine with him getting some run at the end of the season.  I think he would be that much better for it next season.  But on a strict minutes limit.  No playing 40+ minutes in a play-in game or anything like that.

It will be a difficult thing to navigate.

I believe Dallas owed a protected pick, so they had a greater incentive for such a strategy.  The Celtics will not have a late-season tank choice of picking in the 7-10 range vs. no pick, as Dallas had.  They would instead face the possibility of picking 5-10 spots worse depending on how they performed in the play-in tournament. 

When Tatum is ready, I think the Celtics will at worst be in the play-in seedings, if not outright in the playoff seedings.  The Celtics organization has too much pride to hold Tatum out of those games if he is ready if they can make the playoffs.  And a Celtics team with Tatum as a low seed is one that top seeds hope to avoid, as we would be better than our seeding.

That is my understanding on the pick as well.  It had protections and they had to tank to keep it.  They were also fined $750,000 I believe. 

The Dallas Mavericks' 2023 season included a period of tanking to keep their 2023 draft pick, which they secured by sitting key players in the final games of the season. This strategy was heavily criticized and resulted in a $750,000 fine from the NBA for "conduct detrimental to the league". The team publicly denied tanking, stating they were playing their young players, but the NBA's investigation concluded they had a desire to lose to improve their draft position. This decision allowed them to retain the pick, which they used to acquire Dereck Lively II, who became a key contributor.