Over the past decade, the Celtics have posted at least 48 wins in all but one season.
They’ve made the Eastern Conference Finals six times in that span, the NBA Finals twice, and of course won a championship in 2024.
Much of that sustained success stems from a blend of talent, roster management and drafting at a high level. But, there’s another ingredient that doesn’t always get as much love as it should: player development.
Look at each roster in the past decade. So many players have joined the Celtics with untapped talent and have maximized their potential thanks to the culture and coaching in the organization. Of course there are exceptions, but the list of players who expanded their skill set is an impressive one.
With this year’s team, that trend is even more pronounced. Each player has made concrete, tangible improvements to his game over the years and taken it to the next level this season.
Look at Jaylen Brown. He could always put the ball in the hoop, but his playmaking ability, defense and leadership have skyrocketed in recent years. He identified his weaknesses and turned them into strengths.
Look at Derrick White. He was a steady presence with the Spurs (who also excel in this area), but has blossomed as a 3-point shooter, shot blocker, passer and more. He’s taken his opportunity and run with it, and the staff is responsible for giving him the necessary freedom to excel.
Look at Payton Pritchard. Pritchard deserves credit on his own for taking his skills to the next level, but he wouldn’t be where he is without the staff. He’s upped his scoring total each of the last four seasons and is averaging career highs in assists (5.4) and rebounds (4.2) while still only turning it over 1.3 times per game.
Look at Neemias Queta. He’s always had the athleticism, but he was very raw and unproven when he got to Boston. Now, he’s one of the best defensive players in the NBA and is also a steadily improving offensive weapon. Queta has great hands, is an excellent screener and is starting to add some legit post moves to his repertoire. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him periodically shooting 3-pointers in a year or two.
Look at Sam Hauser. That dude has always been able to shoot the basketball, but he’s incorporated some tricks in recent years to make himself even more dangerous. His no-dip 3 is impressive, his upfake and one dribble move is reliable and his drive-and-dish package is improving by the day. Hauser has also become a steady defender and someone the Celtics can trust in key moments.
Look at Baylor Scheierman. He came into the league as an average defender and has become a force on that side of the ball. At first, the game seemed too fast for him. Now, it’s starting to slow down, and much of that development stems from the coaches’ ability to put him in spots that cater to his skill set. Scheierman is starting to figure it out, and his ceiling is higher than many initially thought.
Look at Jordan Walsh. He had more bounce than he knew what to do with, and the coaches have helped him take a breath and make the right reads. One play against the Suns stood out, when he let two defenders fly by, drove to the rim and elevated for a thunderous dunk. He might have forced that shot last year, but now, he’s taking what the defense gives him and responding appropriately more often than not.
The list goes on and on, but these are the most prominent examples. Lasting in the NBA is all about meeting the moment when you get your opportunity. Celtics players do exactly that, and while they deserve a great deal of credit, so do the coaches.
Tobias Harris
Ty Jerome
Derrick White
