BOSTON — Even as Josh Minott stacked up nine straight starts — the first starts of his career — he knew that role could be taken at any point. That’s what happened as Jordan Walsh has emerged as a fifth starter for the C’s, getting the nod for the past five games.
But Minott wasn’t sulking or in his feelings about losing that starting role. Instead, he dished some perspective after the Celtics beat the Magic on Sunday.
“If you were poor and I gave you $20 and then instantly took $20, you never really felt like you had it, right?” Minott said. “So it’s kind of like, I don’t know. It was nice, but I kind of am used to this position. So it’s not like anything insane.”
Minott can still make an impact coming off the bench — and that’s exactly what he did Sunday. He finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, shooting 7-for-8 from the field and 2-for-3 on 3-pointers. His energy and athleticism consistently pop on the court as he knows how quickly opportunities can be taken away from him.
The Celtics also tinkered with him at center with Neemias Queta leaving the game early with an ankle sprain. Minott said he’s played in that spot before, but he’s still learning what the Celtics want from him. It likely won’t be a nightly occurrence as matchups will dictate if they lean on Minott for those minutes. But it’s all a learning experience for the fourth-year pro as he continues to find his footing in the league.
The season is still young, but at the very least, Minott has made an impact on the Celtics. Coming into the season, the 22-year-old spoke about how he considered this “the one” where he needed to prove he can be an NBA-level contributor. The future is uncertain, but that’s also why Minott continues to work hard on and off the court.
“Just not forgetting who I am, where I came from, what I’m capable of,” Minott said. “Great group of guys, great team. So much depth to this team and understand we’re mad interchangeable, especially with the defensive versatility that we all have. So just staying true to myself and knowing what I can do.”
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