Boston Celtics: 4 key takeaways from preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets

In preseason game number one for the Boston Celtics, many doubts about the team’s inability to come together right away appear to be temporarily halted. Between the new comers and the roster’s usual suspects, there were many noteworthy happenings that occurred.

In a 107-106 win over the Charlotte Hornets in preseason game one, the Boston Celtics showed many positive signs. Here are four key takeaways from the contest:

Takeaway No. 1: A different feel with Kemba Walker at point guard

Quite possibly the biggest difference between last year’s Boston Celtics squad and this year’s is the man running the show at the team’s point guard position. This offseason, Boston lost superstar point guard Kyrie Irving in free agency. However, it took them little time to find a replacement at the one spot by inking All-NBA honoree Kemba Walker to a 4-year, $141 million deal.

Just as Danny Ainge speedily courted Walker in free agency following the Charlotte Hornets’ reluctance to offer him a super-max contract, the point guard appears to have quickly endeared himself to his new Boston Celtics teammates. After watching Irving attempt his best Kobe Bryant impression by trying to singlehandedly bring his team to the Promised Land, it was evident that the way this roster is currently constructed, they need someone more inclined to shoot efficiently, play defense and, most importantly, get his supporting cast involved.

In his preseason debut, Walker looks like he may be perfectly casted for this type of role.

In only 20 minutes, the 29-year-old boasted a stat line of 12 points, four assists and a steal while shooting 40% from 3. His willingness to pass and get the ball movement going was made evident right from the get-go as his give-and-go exchange with Gordon Hayward lead to an impressive alley-oop slam by Robert Williams for the game’s first points. While it was Hayward who registered the assist, Walker’s initial on the run feed to the forward was the spark that ignited this oh-so pretty flame.

He proved to be efficient with the ball in his hands, but also showed a willingness to take a backseat when one of his teammates appeared to have the hot hand — namely Jayson Tatum.

Takeaway No. 2: Jayson Tatum looks primed to take “the leap” in 2019-20

Speaking of Jayson Tatum…

As important as it is for Walker to be somewhat of an anti-Irving this upcoming season, more important is Tatum fulfilling the promise that many saw in him after an impressive rookie season and an even more impressive debut postseason in 2018.

Logging the most minutes for the Celtics, the third-year wing put up an even stat-line of 20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and a block while shooting 57% from the field. His efficiency was on display throughout the contest and his confidence was undeniable. Tatum looked the part of an established NBA veteran, picking his spots at the rim and displaying the 3-point shooting touch that had fans christening him as the next great Boston Celtics forward.

After what many considered a “sophomore slump” a showing like this was an exciting sight to see. While it’s only the preseason — and against an expected bottom feeder in the Charlotte Hornets — signs of movement in the right direction for one of the league’s more promising players is always a joyous occasion.

Takeaway No. 3: All the Gordon Hayward hype looks justified

After an offseason of quotes from teammates and Head Coach Brad Stevens alike, Boston Celtics fans — minus Hooligan — are expecting, not just a bounce-back season, but a potential All-Star bid for the 10-year veteran.

While his counting stats may not initially blow you away, seeing Hayward explode past defenders, finish strong at the rim and find ways to feed his teammates are all welcome sights for Celtics fans everywhere — from Massachusetts to Manila.

Hayward’s hesitancy throughout the 2018-19 season was a major factor in his underwhelming post-injury campaign. His game traditionally has been that of a backdoor slasher. Defenders were always kept on their heels, but now, with Hayward presumedly healthy, he can use his superior frame to barrel his way into the paint yet again.

The planets may be aligning for a monster season from Hayward. After looking hesitant and gun-shy alongside Irving last season, there was a pep in the step similar to that of the 2017 All-Star. Being two seasons (and a long road of rehab) removed from a horrific leg injury that robbed him of his first season under contract, Hayward is showing all the signs of someone who can have a career renaissance year.

Hopefully an elbow injury Hayward received in the first half doesn’t keep him out for long. If this is the last we have seen of him this preseason, the 2019-20 campaign still appears bright for the Boston Celtics and their $127 million investment.

Takeaway No. 4: The rookie fever is real

The NBA preseason is mostly a ‘going-through-the-motions’ exercise for former All-Stars and Team USA participants for Walker, Tatum, Hayward and Jaylen Brown. For incoming rookies, it’s a first chance to make an impression. As for the Boston Celtics’ rookie corps, the bunch seemed to leave its mark all over the contest.

While Tacko Fall seems to have drawn the most attention out of all the team’s young newcomers, it was Grant Williams and Carsen Edwards who stole the rookie spotlight in game one.

Romeo Langford, the team’s sole lottery pick was nowhere to be found — DNP due to injury recovery. Fall did enter the game to the loudest ovation, but his play did not seem to speak the loudest on the court.

Playing in garbage time action — against players unlikely to make the lowly Hornets final roster — he recorded five points, three rebounds and two blocks. In substantial minutes against already established NBA level talents, Grant Williams and Carsen Edwards finished the game with a box plus/minus of 14 and 11 respectively.

Edwards looked to be the same shot making dynamo that he appeared to be at Purdue while Williams’ sturdy frame and surprising strength in the paint was on full display. While Edwards proved to be a more efficient shooter than Williams in game one (44% shooting for Edwards in comparison to only 28.6% for Williams) the power forward showed a ridiculous amount of versatility elsewhere, gobbling up boards (nine rebounds) and proving his worth on defense (one steal and one block) in 18 minutes of playing time.

With the amount of established NBA talents the Boston Celtics currently roster, it’s a given their outlook heading into the 2019-20 season is quite promising. However, with the potential this young group possesses, one could certainly argue their future appears to be equally as secure.