Semi Ojeleye's minutes on the rise - now a key cog in the rotation

Semi Ojeleye's minutes keep increasing, and he averages 24 MPG over the past four contests, effectively playing half of the game. Over that same span, his plus/minus ranks 27th in the NBA at +37. He is hitting his field goals, 3-pointers and free throws, while starting to become a factor on the boards.

Semi Ojeleye is shooting a career-high 37 percent from 3. Some on/off splits since Hayward's injury:
Celtics' D with Ojeleye on court: 97 points allowed per 100 poss (1st on team)
Celtics' D with Ojeleye off court: 106 points allowed per 100 poss. https://t.co/Wq63vJc9mo
— Brian Robb (@BrianTRobb) December 6, 2019

Semi has hit 5-of-11 field goals and 4-of-9 treys in that 4-game span. He also garnered 16 rebounds and five steals. His defense never wavers from superb, but his other production is earning him a solid role in the Celtics system. It took a while, but Ojeleye hung in there and Brad Stevens never gave up on him. Hell, no - Semi was too valuable to sit for extended periods.

We can never factor out the possibility of Danny Ainge showcasing Semi for an impending trade, but I doubt that. His $1.6 million for this season doesn't come close to his value to the team, and with Danny having a club option for next season on Semi's contract (only $1.8 million), expect The Ox to stay where he is. In the end, his low salary would mean little for dollar-matching in any deal. He is on the right team.

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