Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 Miami Heat Coach, Eric Spoelstra , believes the Celtics Derrick White is the most-underrated player in the NBA. He may be correct, but Boston's 6'4",  do-everything guard must be getting used to the tag. In high school, he was a 6-foot combo guard that did not get a ton of attention from colleges. But Colorado-Colorado Springs gave him a room-and-board stipend . He grew three inches prior to playing for UCCS - and he was on his way. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra on Derrick White: “I think Derrick White is the most underrated player in the league.” pic.twitter.com/PRQtoA3qbE — 𝙟𝙗 (@lockedupjb) March 15, 2025 But the underrated tag hung on to him . In the 2017 NBA draft he lasted until the 29th-overall pick and went to the San Antonio Spurs. The Celtics were sharp enough to trade for him in 2022, sending Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford , a draft pick (and draft swap) to the Spurs. White is averaging 16.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.0 SPG and 1.1 BPG this season ,...

 We already know that the Spurs Victor Wembanyama is going to be an NBA phenomenon, but will he surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar by the end of his career. It is highly likely.  I did a "per-36-minutes" comparison between the two stars, mainly because Kareem logged 43.1 MPG in his rookie campaign - while Wemby has been held to only 29.4 MPG. Kareem: 24.1 PPG - 12.1 RPG - 3.4 APG - .518 FG - .653 FT Wemby:  25.9 PPG - 12.9 RPG - 4.5 APG - .463 FG - .796 FT No blocks, steals or 3-pointers were looked at since they were not tracked in Jabbar's first year in the NBA. It should also be noted that Kareem was 22 years old at the time, while Victor started at age 20. Two factors favoring Wembanyama ultimately surpassing Jabbar on any "Best-of-All-Time" charts are his point guard skills , shared by so many European players.  and the fact he is being mentored by Gregg Popovich. His potential seems astounding. But the question remains. Can he garner six Titles and six MVP ...

 Earlier in the Celtics season, I was skeptical of Luke Kornet earning a significant role in the rotation, but that has changed. He more than held his own in the pivot against "Wonderchild Wemby" (Victor Wembanyama) in Boston's win over the Spurs.. Luke started the game and produced six points, nine boards, four assists, one steal and three blocks. Kornet is an absolute threat inside on both ends of the floor. Per-36-minutes, he averages 8.7 rebounds per game - 4.4 of which are offensive. His footwork is nimble enough to guard out to the 3-point arc, and he has good hands to catch any type of pass inside. And he a verages 2.5 blocks per-36-minutes. Changed my mind on value of Luke Kornet! Luke Kornet Highlights | Celtics vs. Spurs | 17th Jan 2024 https://t.co/GG9tSFIDfV via @YouTube — Tom Lane (@CelticsSentinel) January 18, 2024  The question for some time has been - What effective backups at the center spot can produce in the second-half of the season and the playo...

 Tough to imagine the Boston Celtics without Derrick White on the roster this season. We see it on social media - raves about the play of  Derrick White. He came from the Spurs in a trade as a supposed bench player, but there are indications that he could thrive with an increased role. The 6'4" combo guard is top-5 on the team this season in six categories - minutes, points, assists, 3-point pecentage, steals and blocks . He is second to only Rob Williams in blocks per game at 0.9 BPG. And by the way, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on February 13, 2023 when he took over for Marcus Smart when The Wolverine was out with an injury. During that week, he averaged 24.5 points, 4.8 boards and 7.5 assists. Hardly the stuff of a guy destined for a lot of pine splinters. Derrick White on inconsistent role closing games: I’m playing basketball, I’m blessed. I’m just trying to have the right perspective on things. Even if I’m off the court, just be a good teammate...

 Let's get rid of the bad stuff first! After being waived by the Spurs, Kemba Walker possibly coming on board in Boston would mean Payton Pritchard will either end up with more DNP-CDs or he will be part of a trade . Secondly, Kemba has an injury history that needs to be considered. With that out of the way, signing Walker would be a no-brainer. While no longer having responsibility as the starting point guard, he would be instant, and reliable, offense off the bench with a lesser chance of suffering an injury. He can pass the ball and, at only 6', he gets his share of rebounds. He is still only 32 years old and is known as a true professional and a great teammate . And the idea that the Celtics best player may want him back also comes into play: 👀☘️☘️ https://t.co/kijXsvlpd2 — Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) January 6, 2023 So stand by. Celtics fans may see this 4-time All-Star and well-liked former teammate back in the fold . Oh, and one more positive - Kemba possibly getting...

 With news of the buyout agreemen t between the Spurs and point guard, Tomas Satoransky , I was relieved to read that he is heading to Washington, and not Beantown. ESPN Sources: The San Antonio Spurs and point guard Tomas Satoransky have agreed to a contract buyout, clearing the way for him to sign a free agent deal with the Washington Wizards. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 26, 2022  Satoransky has the size (6'7") and 3-point accuracy (.356, career) that matches Brad Stevens' wish for more "shooting with size" . But at what cost? Let me remind my readers of the "shooter-without-size" now on the roster, 6'1" Payton Pritchard. Only a one-game sample in the win yesterday over the Pistons, but a line of 19 points, two rebounds and six assists gets attention.  Pritchard was the third leading scorer behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown . And he accomplished that in only 27 minutes, hitting 8-of-12 from the field and 3-of-5 on 3-pointer...

      Well I know who Derrick White is, but not sure if I understand why we had to get rid of JRich for him. He in my opinion is our best bench piece. Romeo never amounted to much. More to come on the trade! Glad we didn't hang onto yet another pick! Is there another move coming??? Tom's addendum : White was the 29th overall pick by San Antonio in the 2017 NBA draft. The 6'4" combo guard is averaging 14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG and 5.6 APG this season thus far. Derrick White has been playing well in his last 5 games for the Spurs 🔥☘️ pic.twitter.com/6l4nTVocNw — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) February 10, 2022 Derrick is signed through the 2024-25 season and will earn $15.2 million this season. He will turn 28 years old this summer.       After time to process JRich being dealt, this move seems like a good fit. White can serve as the backup PG to Smart. He also has experience playing with the Jays. Question is will DS be dealt, right now we have t...

      A trade you don't say?! Brad the Mad scientist is at it again!        Juancho "we hardly knew y" Hernangomez is heading to the Spurs, while Bryn Forbes goes to the land of the Nuggets! The Celtics acquire Bol Bol, and PJ Dozier . Did you know PJ Dozier is a cousin to the late great Reggie Lewis!        This looks to be a salary cap move from my sources. Are we in store for more moves?! Are we finally going to bring a piece or two that will help the Jay Team climb up the Eastern Conference standings?!       All this writer knows is we need to start putting together win streaks. Only 5.5 wins separates us from the Bulls. Make a run and get into the top 4 in the EC. Like I said the only team I fear is the Deer! That's probably because I'm biased towards my Greek brother  with whom I share not only my name but our Faith. 

        1st Quarter       A non three point shooting team is hitting from everywhere. Are the Celtics going to put some hands up or just let this continue?! Defense is a huge part of the game and we gotta step it up! Come on now D time to lock it down! We need crisper switches!        Anyone else enjoy seeing JT post up?!I feel it could develop into the best part of his game. He's got the body and frame, plus the quickness to do it to anyone! JB getting to the hoop is another sight for sore eyes. If these two continue the maturation process of going to the hoop, watch out because they can be unstoppable.       2nd Quarter       RWill with the steal and then leads his own fast break! Look at that a big who can run the break! Active D and bring in the right place leading to an easy two for the C's. Now we need the rest of the team to get going and get us back into this second quarter. If we...

        1st Quarter        Cold As Ice To Start Again        Early on we saw a true lack of energy on both ends of the floor . Very slow defensively, hands were not active at all . On offense there were way to many one and done possessions. Shots were not falling at all, the frustration on that end led to lazy, effortless defense . It's early, but this is no way to start a long road trip. Currently speaking Celtics are playing mediocre ball at best. Until that changes it will be a long season.        Who Will Carry This Team        Calling Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum , what is with this come out with no energy on either end as a team? The true greats do not allow this kind of play to seep into any game . Even in games they struggle, they find ways to make things happen. Going forward tonight and next game we need to see that out of these two studs who are both capable of true greatness...

 One year ago I wrote that the once-alive Jaylen Brown-for-Kawhi Leonard proposed trade between the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics not happening was a boon for The Green. I expect this season will reveal my stand to be valid. Jaylen recently revealed that he dealt with a knee issue (tendinitis) last season , but that problem no longer exists, and he expects to have his superior athleticism on display once again. Brown has shown a number of similarities to the Clippers' Kawhi Leonard, and I expect to see more of that in 2021. Jaylen Brown’s first All-Star season was something special 🤩 pic.twitter.com/4YOAIUsjAK — Celtics Junkies (@Celtics_Junkies) September 21, 2021 The Klaw made his first All-Star appearance in his fifth NBA season, as did Jaylen. Their stats for their fifth seasons in the League are remarkably similar. Kawhi now has five All-Star nods to his credit and will surely pick up at least several more. Jaylen's numbers from last season follow: 34.5 MPG - 2...

 Well Celtics fans, we are there. Coming as no major surprise, Ime Udoka will take over the reins of the Boston Celtics as head coach. Fledgling CelticsSentinel writer, John Edward James Kaloroumakis wrote prior to the news that Boston needed a former NBA player as coach who can relate to the current roster and light a fire under them.  Udoka spent seven seasons as an assistant coach being mentored  by Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich . That speaks volumes. If a would-be head coach wants the right apprenticeship, being tutored by Pop would be one of the very-best venues. Like so many winning NBA coaches, the Nigerian native did not have what would be termed an outstanding NBA career as a player. He endured 16 stints at various locations around the planet , and his best season in the NBA may have been with Portland in the 2006-07 season . Here are his stats from that season: 28.6 MPG - 8.4 PPG - 3.7 RPG - 1.5 APG - 46% FG - 41% 3s - 74% FT Those numbers matter little. NB...

 Having watched all of the Celtics superstars perform over the last 60-plus seasons, I tend to be restrained when I compare the rising youngsters. But last night's 60 point explosion by Jayson Tatum in Boston's OT 143-140 win over Gregg Popovich's Spurs was nothing short of spectacular . Down by as many as 32 points in the second quarter, Tatum simply took over the game and proved to be literally unstoppable. In an article prior to the game, I wrote the following : : Jayson Tatum-as-offensive coordinator  also seems to fit nicely. He is a deadly closer for the Celtics in the final minutes of a tight game, and his passing skills - and willingness to do so - gives him the nod. My label of Tatum as "offensive coordinator" was certainly restrained. It can no longer be denied. Jayson Tatum is one special player. His 60 points match Larry Bird's output on March 12, 1985 versus the Hawks , and here are the stats from both superstars - yes, that is my current labe...

  Last night's loss in San Antonio was another typical, unnecessary Celtics loss. This team has the potential to compete for an NBA Finals, but there are some recurring issues that must be addressed if they want to achieve at the highest levels. This most recent defeat serves as a tidy microcosm for what the green must address Lack of Competitive Spirit Underwhelming losses have become a trademark of the Celtics in recent years. They routinely lose games for no reason other than a lack of execution and competitive spirit, and it's becoming a concerning pattern. While this team has plenty of talent, their ability to "flip the switch" is not there, and it's a cause for concern. Too often  they allow lesser teams to hang around, and are unable to finish them off. Championship level teams know when to engage that next gear, but the Celtics have yet to find that. They are still young and growing, but this has been a repeated theme since the ECF vs Miami. The Medium 3 (...

Prior to the season, the Celtics Rob Williams projected that he would take a "great jump" in his third season with Boston. But it appears that coach Brad Stevens may be holding him back. Rob Williams has always been known as a leaper, but this season he plans to take a different type of jump on the court. https://t.co/efEX5HdEG5 — Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 8, 2020 In last night's 110-106 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, Rob saw only 13 minutes of floor time. How did he do? He scored  six points on 3-of-3 from the field, while hauling down seven (7) rebounds, four of which were of the offensive glass.  He added one assist, one steal and one block, while committing only one turnover and racking up a single foul. I took the time to project what that may have meant had he been on the floor for 36 minutes: 17 points - 19 boards - 3 assists - 3 steals, 3 blocks - 3 turnovers - 3 fouls Yes, I know my 36-minute projection is pure fantasy! Or is it? Here are Williams III...

Remember when the San Antonio Spurs were trying to develop a trade for their star forward, Kawhi Leonard. The Celtics at the time were rumored to be in the mix for his services, with the names of Jaylen Brown - and possibly Marcus Smart - tossed out there.  The rumored trade seemed to center around Brown and draft picks, and at least to me, the possible inclusion of Smart into the deal appeared ridiculous. Well, Jaylen, Marcus and the Celtics are still in the fight for a Title, while Kawhi and his new team, the Clippers, have been vanquished. Leonard's 2020 post-season stats are mostly ahead of Brown's, but not by a large margin, and we might add that Kawhi is now 29 years old while Jaylen is only 23. Brown is averaging 21.1 PPG in the playoffs compared to 28.2 PPG for Leonard. Rebounds are close with 7.3 RPG for Brown and 9.3 for Leonard. Assist honors also go to Kawhi (5.5 APG, 2.2 for Jaylen). With Leonard probably having reached his peak and Brown continuing to improve hi...

I recently proposed that center Rob Williams' minutes need to be boosted to the 18-20 MPG range. Well, that didn't take long to go into effect, with Rob on the court for 22 minutes last night in Boston's 135-115 victory over the Spurs. Robert Williams took flight to finish this alley oop! ✈️ #Celtics pic.twitter.com/re1qWBmo4q — NBA TV (@NBATV) November 9, 2019 Williams collected 11 points on a perfect 5-of-5 from the field and 1-of-1 from the free throw line. He also managed to grab seven rebounds, garner two assists and block SIX shots. The injury to Gordon Hayward in the first half (fractured hand) may have contributed to Williams' increase in floor time, and it appears we will be seeing more of him in the coming weeks. Rob Williams is getting better every game. He has explosive athleticism, and his basketball IQ is quickly on the rise. Robert Williams III EXPLOSiVE 11 Pts, 6 Blks, NASTY Dunks vs Spurs | Nov... https://t.co/IZ4fmrXhFX via @YouTube — Tom Lane ...

Celtics wing, Gordon Hayward suffered a fractured hand in the second quarter of Boston's 135-115 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The injury resulted from Gordon's collision with the Spurs, LeMarcus Aldridge. An X-ray revealed the fracture. It remains unknown if the injury will require surgery, but Hayward is expected to miss a number of weeks. The only bright light here is that the fracture is far less-severe than the devastating ankle injury suffered by Hayward at the beginning of the 2017-18 season. He will be able to maintain his conditioning during recovery, and it is likely that Marcus Smart will replace him in the starting unit until Gordon's return to action. Stay with us for updates. Flllow Tom at @CelticsSentinel, @CausewayStreet and Facebook