Thoughts from preseason game #1:
1. As mentioned above, the defense was atrocious. It was especially notable when Kanter checked in - it suddenly became very easy for the Hornets to score. Also, Rob Williams was playing overeager, out of control, help defense and failing to make plays that he could have made with a little more patience. I hope both of these are (somewhat) fixable with time - Williams hasn't played enough yet to have the game slow down for him, and the rest of the Celtics needs to learn how to play defense with Kanter at C.
2. Strong offensive showings from Tatum and Hayward. Both were agressively taking it to the rim and shooting from deep. Both looking like different guys from last year. Hayward did something to his left elbow and left early. Hopefully nothing major.
3. Kemba will be fine at the point, which we knew. He finished with 12 and 4 in 20 minutes without really aggressively looking to create for himself.
4. Carsen Edwards is as advertised. He checked in in the first half and promptly drained a pair of catch-and-shoot threes. His release is as advertised, lightning quick. He was on the floor against the Charlotte scrubs during the Celtics comeback and knocked down a deep three plus a steal/layup to finish with 11 points on 4-9 shooting, 3-6 from three. I think he'll get minutes right away.
5. Grant Williams initally checked in at guard and also played a little bit of smallball C. Played about 18 minutes and led the team in rebounds (9), took a key charge late, had a huge positive +/-. Struggled with his offense (2 for 7) but looks to have role-player potential. A question is whether he can be that heady role-playing guy when the real games and real opposition starts with his lack of height and athleticism. Although he's very strong so maybe he can occassionally man up bigger guys the way Smart does.
6. Javonte Green was the story of the Celtics garbage time comeback. Incredible athlete who was (unbelievably) attending his first ever NBA game tonight. Finished 7 for 7 with a three and 5 dunks. This guy might have the inside track on the 15th roster spot despite Tacko-mania.
7. I liked what I saw of Tremont Waters at the end, too. Smaller than Walker and Edwards, but has some pure PG skills. Just knows how to run an offense.
8. Tacko played 8 minutes late and the crowd went wild. 5 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks. But also 2 fouls and 2 turnovers in mostly scrub time. He absolutely changed the way Charlotte offense approached the paint, and he moves pretty smoothly for a guy that big. He's clearly not at an NBA level yet in other aspects: can't dribble, can't even bring the ball down without it getting stolen from him. He's obviously the sentimental fan favorite for the 15th roster spot, but he needs to spend most of his season in the G-league whatever his roster status may be.