Boston Celtics: Breaking down the C’s training camp roster

With training camp set to start next week, the Boston Celtics have made some recent signings to round out their camp roster.

Let us reset things, and take a look at each position to find out who has a realistic chance at making this roster.

Boston Celtics ball-handlers/Guards: Marcus Smart, Dennis Schroder, Payton Pritchard, Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, Ryan Arcidiacono, Theo Pinson

To me, this is the position group that is easiest to figure out. Marcus Smart is primed to take the reigns and slot right in as the teams starting point guard. Dennis Schroder, and his ability to score the ball,  allow him to come in and bring that instant offense the Shamrocks sorely lacked off the bench last season.

Next in line we have Payton Pritchard, Josh Richardson, and Romeo Langford. All three of these guards should see minutes early on this season. Pritchard has earned his opportunity through his play at the Vegas Summer League. Richardson, has already signed a contract extension, he also gives you many of the same qualities that Smart does. As for Langford, he also showed signs this past summer, as long as he stays healthy he will grab some minutes as well.

Now this is where it gets interesting. Ryan Arcidiacono and Theo Pinson are both long shots to make this team. Pinson is a high energy, high motor guy, over his short career he seems to do more for his teams off the court rather than on the court. He is a player that loves to get his teammates fired up and is great for team moral.

Arcidiacono is interesting because he actually provides a skill set the Cs tend to lack. The young guard shot 38 percent from three last season. For this reason alone, I can see a scenario where Arcidiacono sneaks on to this roster.

Boston Celtics wings: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Aaron Nesmith, Juan Hernangomez, Grant Williams, Juwan Morgan, Sam Hauser, Garrison Mathews

For me, the wing position is the strongest position on this team. Listen, I know what you are about to say. “Of course this is the strongest position group, they have Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum”. But hear me out. Outside of those two players, there are guys who are going to contribute mightily to the success of this team.

Aaron Nesmith, over the summer showed that he is way more than just a shooter. With his ability to not only shoot ,but to also attack defenses and get to the rim, defenses will have to account for him on the court.

Next we have the veteran forward, Juan Hernangomez. This savvy vet is versatile, can rebound, and has the ability to stretch the floor out to the three point line. With his ability to space the floor and defenses focused on the Jays, Juancho will see opportunities on the court that he has yet to see in his NBA career.

As for my dark horse of the bunch. Well, it has to go to Garrison Mathews. The third year wing is the most recent signing to the Cs camp roster, and for good reason. Mathews brings with him to Boston a career 39 percent three point shot percentage. Again, with his ability to shoot, this is a player I can see cracking the fifteen man roster.

Boston Celtics Bigs: Robert Williams, Al Horford, Enes Kanter, Bruno Fernando, Jabari Parker

So, out of all the position groups, this is the one I am most excited for. Mainly because, after Robert Williams and Al Horford, nothing is set in stone. There will be plenty of battles during camp to see who is going to get minutes at this position.

Right now, I am not sold on Enes Kanter. Do not get me wrong, he is a great rebounder and can score the basketball, but defensively he is not very good, and on some nights, he is unplayable.

Bruno Fernando and Jabari Parker are the wild cards for me. One or both payers could get cut, or make the team. Bruno has the ability to earn himself some minutes just from his energy alone. The young center runs the floor, rebounds, and block shots. Think of him as a bigger Marcus Smart in terms of his passion, and ability to do the little things well.

For me it is hard to not give Parker a chance for minutes early on this season. Many times, during last seasons playoff run, he was the Shamrocks second best player. There is some difficulty with him staying in front of smaller guards in the pick-and-roll, but he has the ability to come right into a game, ice cold, and get this team quick buckets. That alone is a valuable asset for the green team.

When the dust settles after training camp, the Houdini knows that Ime Udoka and Brad Stevens will have this team ready to go. Early on, it is looking like the Celtics are poised to have a more productive season than last, and get back to their winning ways in the playoffs.

One things is for sure. Opening night can not come soon enough. Is it October 20th yet?