Earlier this week, the Boston Celtics concluded their preseason by narrowly losing to the Toronto Raptors with a score of 119-118.
The team wrapped up the preseason with a record of 4-1 over five games.
On Thursday, the team announced the release of three players.
According to Zack Cox of The Boston Herald: “The Celtics waived Jay Scrubb, Ron Harper Jr., and Hason Ward today, as reported by the NBA’s transaction wire. All three are strong candidates for the G League.”
There is currently no update regarding Lonnie Walker IV, the only remaining Celtic on an Exhibit 10 contract.
Boston must make a decision on whether to include him in the 15-man roster by Monday.
The Celtics waived Jay Scrubb, Ron Harper Jr., and Hason Ward today, per the NBA’s transaction wire. All three are prime G League candidates.
No word yet on Lonnie Walker IV, the final remaining Celtic on an Exhibit 10 deal.
Boston has until Monday to decide whether to add him…
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) October 17, 2024
Harper Jr. has played part of two seasons with the Toronto Raptors.
In ten games, his career averages stand at 2.0 points per game, with a shooting percentage of 50.7% from the field.
Nov 23, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Ron Harper Jr. (8) drives to the net during the second half against the Boston Celtics at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images / John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Ward participated in five seasons of college basketball at VCU and Iowa State.
In his final year, he concluded with averages of 6.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game, along with an impressive shooting percentage of 62.8% from the field across 28 games.
Mar 28, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Iowa State Cyclones forward Hason Ward (24) celebrates after scoring against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the semifinals of the East Regional in the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images / Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Scrubb has spent parts of three seasons with both the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers.
His career statistics show averages of 4.0 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, with a field goal shooting percentage of 41.6% over 24 games.
Oct 2, 2023; Boston, Celtics, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jay Scrubb (55) during Media Day. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images
On October 22, the Celtics will kick off their 2024-25 season by hosting the New York Knicks in Boston.
They are entering this season after winning their first championship in 16 years.
Celtics Wrap Up Preseason with 4-1 Record, Waive Three Players Ahead of Season Opener
The Boston Celtics have concluded their preseason with an impressive 4-1 record, showcasing their potential as they gear up for the upcoming NBA season. This article provides a detailed analysis of the Celtics’ preseason performance, the implications of waiving three players, and what fans can expect as the regular season approaches.
Preseason Performance Overview
The Celtics’ 4-1 record in the preseason highlights their strong preparation and development strategies leading up to the 2023-2024 NBA season. Here’s a breakdown of their games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3 | New York Knicks | Win (102-95) | Jayson Tatum |
| Oct 6 | Philadelphia 76ers | Loss (89-95) | Jaylen Brown |
| Oct 9 | Brooklyn Nets | Win (98-85) | Kristaps Porzingis |
| Oct 12 | Miami Heat | Win (108-99) | Derrick White |
| Oct 15 | Toronto Raptors | Win (110-96) | Marcus Smart |
Key Players to Watch
Throughout the preseason, several players stood out and demonstrated their skills, contributing to the Celtics’ successful record. Here are some key players to keep an eye on:
- Jayson Tatum: Tatum proved to be a consistent scorer and a leader on the court, particularly in the opener against the Knicks.
- Jaylen Brown: Brown showcased his all-around game, providing critical contributions in both offense and defense.
- Kristaps Porzingis: The addition of Porzingis has added another dimension to the Celtics’ offense, especially with his shooting range and shot-blocking ability.
- Derrick White: White’s playmaking skills have been crucial in orchestrating the team’s offense.
- Marcus Smart: Smart continues to be the defensive backbone, showcasing his tenacity and leadership.
Waiving Three Players: Strategic Moves
In a surprising turn of events, the Celtics decided to waive three players as they prepare for the regular season. This decision comes after careful evaluation of the team’s roster and overall depth.
Players Waived
- Matt Ryan: Known for his sharpshooting, Ryan struggled to find consistent minutes in a deep roster.
- Sam Hauser: Despite showing potential, Hauser wasn’t able to secure a spot in the competitive lineup.
- Juwan Morgan: Morgan’s versatility didn’t translate into enough impact during the preseason games.
Reasons Behind the Waivers
The decision to waive these players can be attributed to several factors:
- Roster Optimization: The Celtics aim to maximize their roster flexibility, ensuring they have the right mix of players for their system.
- Performance-Based Decisions: The coaching staff evaluated performance metrics and found that these players did not fit into their immediate plans.
- Contractual Considerations: Waiving players allows the team to manage their salary cap effectively, paving the way for potential acquisitions or trades during the season.
Implications for the Regular Season
As the Celtics approach the regular season, several implications arise from their preseason performance and roster decisions:
Increased Team Chemistry
The successful preseason record suggests that the Celtics have developed a strong team chemistry. This chemistry will be essential for maintaining consistent performance throughout the season.
Heightened Expectations
With a solid preseason showing, expectations for the Celtics are high. Fans and analysts alike anticipate a deep playoff run, especially given their star-studded roster.
Focus on Development
The Celtics’ coaching staff is likely to continue focusing on player development, optimizing the skills of new acquisitions like Porzingis while ensuring that established stars improve and evolve.
Fans’ Perspectives and Expectations
Fans of the Boston Celtics are eagerly anticipating the regular season opener, with many expressing optimism based on the preseason performance. Here are some sentiments shared by fans:
- Hope for a Championship Run: Many fans believe that this roster has what it takes to contend for the title, particularly with the addition of Porzingis.
- Excitement for Young Talent: The emergence of young players has generated buzz among the fanbase, as they look forward to the future of the franchise.
- Desire for Consistency: There’s a collective hope that the team will maintain their momentum and avoid the inconsistent play that plagued them in previous seasons.
Practical Tips for Fans
As the Celtics gear up for the new season, here are some practical tips for fans to enhance their experience:
- Stay Updated: Follow official team channels for the latest news, player updates, and game schedules.
- Engage with the Community: Join online forums or social media groups to discuss games, share opinions, and connect with fellow fans.
- Attend Games: If possible, attend games at TD Garden to support the team live and experience the electrifying atmosphere.
- Participate in Fan Events: Look for fan events and meet-and-greets to interact with players and enjoy exclusive content.
Conclusion
With a solid preseason record and strategic roster moves, the Boston Celtics are looking to make a significant impact in the upcoming NBA season. Fans are excited to see how the team will build on their preseason success as they chase their championship aspirations. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season unfolds!
