Payton Pritchard
https://hardwoodhoudini.com/2022/03/08/x-factors-bench-boston-celtics/
Despite a slow start to the year and continued struggles throughout to see consistent playing time, Payton Pritchard has proven to be more than capable of producing in an energizer-bunny role when given the opportunity.
While it may be a bit of a surprise, the sophomore guard is actually putting up rather impressive numbers this year, boasting averages of 14.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per 75 possessions on 37.5 percent shooting from deep.
On top of all this, when actually given ample playing time (18 or more minutes in an outing), Pritchard has only proven that he’s capable of producing admirably, as he’s boasting solid averages of 11.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds on a highly efficient 49 percent shooting from the floor and 44 percent shooting from deep.
Derrick White
The big grab at this year’s trade deadline, since touching down in eastern Massachusetts, Derrick White has proven to be an absolute gem of an addition to this Boston Celtics team.
Though he has found himself serving in a starting role for a large chunk of the last two seasons, the combo guard has proven to fit in perfectly as the C’s trusty sixth man option within the rotation and we’re absolutely ecstatic about it.
Frankly, all fans should be.
Now, while his counting stats since joining the ball club should by no means blow anyone away (11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), it is the usually undocumented aspects of his game that have played to be a major part in his new tenure in green and white threads.
From his defensive expertise that went on to hold star guard Trae Young to just nine points on 30 percent shooting from the field in the second half of their recent matchup to his 12 points on 50 percent shooting from deep performance that helped lead the Celtics to an impressive win over the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies, White’s impact has been seen impacting Boston as a whole, including the bench-unit, of course.
Aaron Nesmith
https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/29/nba-boston-celtics-nesmith-highlights-raptors-3-28-22/
Sometimes this season, it has felt as if second-year Boston Celtics small forward Aaron Nesmith couldn’t catch a break. Desperately in need of opportunity on a contending roster but unable to get the run he needs to develop his game, the South Carolina native even sprained his ankle in his first real shot at playing big minutes against the Memphis Grizzlies in March.
But another chance for Nesmith to play some big, meaningful minutes came when the Celtics were down four starters on Monday night against the Toronto Raptors, and the former Vanderbilt player made the most of them.
Nesmith put up 13 points, 4 rebounds, an assist and 3 steals in 39 minutes of play with no turnovers and 5 personal fouls, shooting a sizzling 5-of-8 from the floor and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Grant Williams
Coming into 2021-22, many (admittedly, including ourselves) weren’t so sure as to how the 23-year-old was going to fair in his junior year with the team considering the fact that they seemingly bolstered the depth at the four spot while also bringing on added floor spacers during the offseason.
Now, 66 games in, we find that despite all the questions, comments, and concerns, the big has undoubtedly proven himself to be one of the C’s most trusty role players.
Though he may be a smaller power forward, as he measures in at just 6-6, Williams has shown that he can hold his own against bigger opposing players, especially on the defensive end of the ball where, thanks to his muscular physique, he has shown that he can absorb contact when squaring up in the post and has an underrated ability to time an opponent’s shot attempt well enough to swat shots down at the rim when need be.
Offensively, though he may not be the team’s main option by any stretch of the word, his presence has undoubtedly been felt all throughout this year’s campaign, as Grant Williams finds himself serving as the C’s most trusty 3-point sniper, converting his long-range attempts at a 44 percent clip.
Daniel Theis
https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2022/03/celtics-daniel-theis-said-its-been-positive-rollercoaster-ride-since-boston-return.html
It almost looked like Daniel Theis never missed a step, perfectly folding back into his old role with the Celtics.
Though that’s for better or worse, as The War on Theis is seemingly ongoing: He fouled out in just 19 minutes in Monday’s win over the Thunder. Those fouls seem like typical Theis, and he brings plenty of value for the Celtics. His defensive versatility is a huge asset, one that should be doubly important come the postseason.
“In OKC, I played like I’m back a couple of years ago,” Theis said with a smile. “No, I think it’s just the way we play as a team, being physical helps. We start the game being physical from the first second and not just different periods of the game. So that’s why I think the leash is a little longer for the whole team.”
While there’s an acclimation period, Theis is plenty familiar with his surroundings. The big man called it a “positive” rollercoaster ride. Theis went from benchwarmer for the lowly Rockets all the way to contributor on the soaring, playoff-bound Celtics.
