Boston Celtics: 4 takeaways from preseason debut

By Mark Nilon | Dec 16, 2020

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics attempts a lay up during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 15, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

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Boston Celtics (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 2) Rookies look confident, competent

Though Danny Ainge may not have the best track record in regard to selecting late first-round picks, if Tuesday’s game is any indicator, he may have found a gem with the 26th overall pick from this year’s draft, Payton Pritchard.

Logging 22 minutes, the rookie wound up registering 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a block on 60 percent shooting from the floor and 33 percent shooting from deep. Showing confidence in himself early, Pritchard showcased a nice array of defensive & offensive skills and proved capable of getting himself clean looks at a bucket on catch-and-shoots by moving without the ball.

The 22-year-old played so well, in fact, that announcer and former NBA great, Chris Webber, made a statement saying “I think his game is better made for the pros than in college.”

As for the team’s lone lottery selection, Aaron Nesmith played 19 minutes where he posted eight points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block. Though he only managed to convert on three of his eight attempts, and just one of his five from deep, the former Vanderbilt star showed that he can do more than just shoot when his shot is off and looks driven to land a rotation spot this season.

All in all, the two rookies looked both confident and competent during their first taste of NBA action.

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