Boston Celtics: 3 standout performers from C’s first preseason game

Boston Celtics PF/C Al Horford

I wouldn’t blame you if you thought Aaron Nesmith was a top-three performer from the Celtics preseason outing. The young sharpshooter out of Vanderbilt looked great and was one of the biggest reasons the Celtics mounted a comeback late in the game.

However, for my third-best performer, I’m going with a familiar face.

Al Horford looked nothing short of exceptional against the Magic. Ime Udoka wasn’t lying about him coming into camp in perfect shape. He moved very fluidly on offense and defense and held his ground against resistance.

Udoka is adapting a switch-all mindset to the Celtics defense, and Horford picked it up no problem even against some of the Magic’s quicker guards. On offense, Horford’s handle and IQ are still evident, and with his improved shape, they’ll be more applicable than they have in seasons past.

I’m not expecting 2017-18 Al Horford to show up and be a foundational piece to Udoka’s offense like he was to Brad Stevens’ offense. However, Horford’s off-ball play was impactful from the moment he stepped on the floor.

You could see just how good the ‘Jays’ can be with a pick-and-pop man instead of just a pick-and-roll man. Their synergy with the big man was seamless, and it’s something I expect Udoka to hone in on.

Another thing I loved about Horford was that he was still a comfortable ball-handler. There were multiple possessions where Horford ripped down a rebound and carried the ball the length of the floor, and initiated the Celtics offense. Its clear Udoka wants his units to get out and run, and with Al Horford willing to be a point center, that play style not only becomes more feasible but also more efficient.