Josh Minott looks worthy of Brad Stevens’ investment.
The Boston Celtics newcomer, who signed a two-year contract worth $5 million this offseason, has impressed during three preseason games and looks like a capable depth piece entering the 2025-26 campaign.
A 6-foot-8, 205-pound forward, Minott earned some well-deserved praise from NBC Sports Boston analyst Brian Scalabrine after the C’s earned a win over the Cavaliers on Sunday. Minott took home his first Tommy Award following his 16-point performance off the bench.
“He plays hard every possession,” Scalabrine said after Boston’s 138-107 victory. “I love him operating out of the corner because he can knock down the corner three, he can drive out of it. His energy is infectious.”
Minott is averaging 12.3 points and shooting better than 50 percent from the field through three preseason games. He’s added 6.3 rebounds on average and stuffed the stat sheet with a total of five steals and two blocks in three contests.
“He’s making things happen on both sides of the ball,” Scalabrine said. “That’s all the things that this team is going to need. Hard-playing guys that have a ton of confidence. Minott fits that bill.”
The 22-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he averaged 2.3 points and 1.0 rebounds in five minutes per game. He was a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Minott has been tasked to be a disruptor on the defensive end all while head coach Joe Mazzulla is putting a clear emphasis on rebounding.
“I feel like defensive versatility, it starts with that,” Minott said of his game. “I feel like after that everything else is a plus. I’m just doing what Joe expects me to do, trying to muck up the game, make it harder on the opposing offense.”
When the regular season tips off, Minott might not receive the same 20-plus minutes he’s received during the preseason. The Celtics have some depth on the wing behind Jaylen Brown. Minott, though, could carve out an impactful every night role if he continues to play the same way he is now.
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