As I watched the Celtics erase a 20-point deficit to outlast the Pacers 103-95 on Monday, I found myself constantly coming back to one central thought: Luka Garza sets one heck of a screen.
I typically
gravitate toward guards and find myself studying the tendencies of shooters rather than post players, but there’s something about Garza’s game I can’t ignore.
The timing of his screens is simply impeccable. It’s almost robotic in a way, where he rotates his body at the exact right angle and moment to set the ball-handler up for success. If you worry about Garza, the ball-handler has an opening; if you double the ball, Garza can pop or roll and is a threat all over. It’s rhythmic, under-appreciated and genuinely fun to watch.
With that in mind, and in the holiday spirit, here’s one specific gift each Celtics player has that I really appreciate.
Jaylen Brown – footwork
I don’t think anyone who watches the Celtics regularly is surprised that Jaylen Brown has taken the next step and is shining as the 1A option this season.
But I do think most of us are slightly surprised at just how seamless the transition has been. It looks like Brown has been in this role for years, and he deserves a great deal of credit for thriving as the undisputed alpha. A main reason why he’s dominating? His footwork.
Next time you turn on a game, watch the way Brown finishes in the lane. Whether it’s transition, off a drive or off a post-up (less common), he pivots at an extremely high level and keeps defenders off balance. It’s a skill that separates the elite from the very good in the NBA, and Brown is near the top of the list.
Derrick White – shot blocking
Let’s not take Derrick White for granted, folks. What he’s doing isn’t normal. People don’t just average 1.3 blocks per game at 6 feet, 4 inches.
You can tell he genuinely loves guarding bigger players and gets a kick out of sending their shot back. It’s kind of strange that offensive players still don’t seem to expect it, but it’s probably because he’s just so darn good at it.
Payton Pritchard – body control
This one is somewhat similar to Brown’s, but it’s slightly different. Payton Pritchard is highly skilled at those little shots from just inside the free-throw line where he baits a defender, swirls around, then fades away over their outstretched arm.
Much like with White, it’s not normal for someone his size to do what he does at that level. Pritchard is a masterful dribbler with elite precision in his movements.
Anfernee Simons – microwave scoring
Anfernee Simons’ scoring ability is as good as advertised. That man can put the ball in the peach basket. Once he makes one, his eyes get big and there’s a good chance he’s going to make a couple more in a row.
Simons is one of those players who genuinely believes he’s the best scorer on the floor. That confidence is contagious, and he’s a big reason why this Celtics team has been able to go on extended runs like teams in the past.
Neemias Queta – offensive rebounding
Neemias Queta deserves a great deal of credit for making concrete improvements to his game. He’s a much better player now than he was a year or two ago, and the Celtics’ coaches also deserves credit for their work in making that happen.
Queta is 19th in the NBA with 3.1 offensive rebounds per game (just behind future Hall of Famer Luke Kornet), and it feels like it when you watch him compete. He keeps plays alive and often sets up those timely second-chance 3-pointers that shift the momentum of games.
Jordan Walsh – on-ball defense
Jordan Walsh is arguably the best success story on the team so far this season. He’s made strides as a shooter, a playmaker and more, but his biggest gift remains his on-ball defense.
Walsh can truly guard 1 through 5, has seriously long arms and moves his feet quite well for his size. He’s starting to figure it all out, and it’s very entertaining.
Sam Hauser – spacing
It can be easy to watch a shooter and hyper-focus on whether or not the ball goes in the hoop. While it often does for Sam Hauser, he’s constantly enhancing the offensive fluidity regardless of his percentages.
Hauser passes and relocates at an extremely high level. Having him in the corner or on the wing opens up driving lanes for Brown, White and Pritchard. They know that if the defense converges, Hauser will be in the exact right spot and ready to let it fly.
Josh Minott – energy
People love to say that effort is a skill, and no one on the roster epitomizes that mindset more than Josh Minott (OK, maybe it’s a tie with Hugo González). Minott runs around with the motor of a toddler (it’s a compliment) and never stops moving.
Luka Garza – you already know
It bears repeating. The man is a screen machine!
Hugo González – fearlessness
Some of these plus-minus and net rating stats are wild, but when you watch him play, it really does feel like he constantly contributes to winning. One of the main reasons why is his fearlessness; González plays like a veteran, loves guarding the other team’s best player and isn’t afraid of a challenge.
Baylor Scheierman – the fireman
Baylor Scheierman’s best gift is his ability to put out fires and give the game exactly what it needs. If the Celtics need to play faster, he can do that; if they need to slow it down, he can do that, too. His feel for the game is a defining attribute and sets him apart. It really is a fitting nickname.
