BOSTON — Josh Minott knows how little is guaranteed in the NBA. This is his fourth pro season, and coming into training camp, he knew the opportunity ahead as a make-or-break year for his career.
It’s evident Minott is looking to inject his energy into the game whenever he touches the court. So, while Minott has settled in nicely as the Celtics’ fifth starter to open the season, that hasn’t meant he’s taking anything for granted. It’s also clear he understands the significance of the starting role where he needs to produce on a nightly basis.
“I don’t consider I have any staying power, man,” Minott said. “I’m trying to go out there like this (expletive) can end tomorrow because it can. It very much can. I’m appreciative that they’ve trusted me with that. At the end of the day, every time I go out, I assume it can always be taken from me because it very well can be.”
Minott was at his best as the Celtics blew out the Wizards on Wednesday to snap a two-game losing streak. He finished with a career-high 21 points on 8-for-12 shooting, including 3-for-6 on 3-pointers. Minott also added five rebounds and three steals, showcasing his defensive versatility by playing at the five for some stretches.
There’s arguably been no bigger surprise to the Celtics this season than Minott. The team signed him to a two-year contract after he showed flashes with the Timberwolves, but he could never crack the rotation there. Minott figured to at least be a potential contender for minutes going into camp.
It’s clear his mix of size and physicality gives the Celtics a much-needed edge to their starting lineup. They have the shot creation and playmaking between Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. But with Minott in the mix, he gives them length at the wing position and, perhaps more importantly, is a willing and capable rebounder.
“Josh is big-time, man,” Neemias Queta said. “He plays with a lot of energy. He’s going to rebound for us. He’s going to guard pretty much their best defender, too. His versatility is big-time and we’ve been playing great since he got to the starting lineup, and he’s been a great addition for our team.”
It’s clear Minott can still improve parts of his game. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla has been spotted coaching him up at multiple points throughout the season, including in the Wizards win. Mazzulla also tinkered with Minott playing center at times, which is still a work-in-progress. Still, Minott giving the Celtics another option bodes well for his future.
Celtics fans should get used to seeing a high-flying Minott, too. The C’s found him for multiple dunks throughout Wednesday’s victory, igniting the crowd into a frenzy. Considering all the positive traits Minott has brought to the Celtics, it’s no surprise he’s quickly becoming a potential mainstay.
“He was coaching me for the future,” Minott said of Mazzulla. “He understands that. Maybe the game isn’t necessarily I would consider won by then (when up 30 points), but man, we’re working for the future, man. There’s never a let-up. Now we’re using that time as a lesson for the future. That’s what he was expressing to me.”
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.