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What To Watch For – Celtics vs. Nets

By Larry Flynn

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The Boston Celtics return home to face real NBA competition tonight with a visit to Brooklyn.

While it’s still preseason, the Celtics’ first game against a real NBA team may be a fun learning opportunity for fans and coach Brad Stevens.

Here’s four pregame notes to watch out for prior to watching Celtics-Nets tonight.

Mar 23, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Markel Brown (22) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

1. Isaiah Thomas gets his wish, will start vs Nets

Thomas has been obvious in his request to be a starter in the NBA. Although Stevens prefers Thomas to fuel the bench’s offense, he has given his leading scorer a chance to start tonight given Marcus Smart‘s temporary illness.

It’s preseason, so it doesn’t mean much, but it’ll still be interesting to see if Stevens gives Thomas more run as a starting point guard this year. Here’s your first opportunity, Isaiah.

2. Welcome back, Evan Turner

Turner will play his first game of the 2015-16 season tonight after missing the first two with a sore knee. His knee appears to be fine now, meaning that Turner will be worked back into the rotation.

The question remains, however, about Turner’s place on this roster. Ainge made a point to get more offensively creative players on the roster this offseason (Lee, Rozier, Hunter), and it has caused rumblings over the summer about Turner’s long-term future in Boston.

If Turner gets off to a good start in preseason and to start the season, however, it’d be hard for Stevens to move him back in the rotation. Let’s take a look at Turner tonight, not to see if his knee is okay, but to make sure he fits well with the new roster additions.

3. Our first NBA glimpse of Perry Jones

Most have regarded Jones as the 16th member of the 15-man roster, making him the odd-man out. Jones has some talent, but it’ll take a few fantastic preseason games to help him find a spot on the roster.

Jones is one of the most interesting players to watch tonight, mostly to see if he can play Stevens’ system. He wasn’t exactly a perfect fit in Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook centered offense, but in a system that moves the ball more freely, Jones may be able to make a different impact on the game.

Check out Jones defensively as well. This is where he has the highest ceiling, as a versatile defender who can use his length and athleticism to pester both forward positions.

4. RJ Hunter playing some point guard?

Hunter has surprised many Celtics fans with his versatility and creativity handling the basketball. He has been an above-average playmaking shooting guard both in the summer league and over the first two preseason games.

With Thomas and Turner the only other ball-handlers playing tonight, Hunter will likely get to play a bit of point guard. Especially in the fourth quarter, where teams usually play their rookies, Hunter will get a chance to orchestrate the offense for a few minutes tonight.

As basketball is becoming more “positionless,” Hunter could end up becoming a shooting guard with the playmaking ability of a point guard who can shoot lights out. I don’t know about you, but that sure sounds a lot like a young Steph Curry to me.

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