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3 Boston Celtics New Year’s resolutions for 2022

By Andrew DiIorio

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 22: The Boston Celtics bench reacts to Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on December 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 22: The Boston Celtics bench reacts to Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on December 22, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics new year’s resolution #2: Consistent shooting

Through 36 games, the Boston Celtics sit 24th in the league in terms of three-point shooting (33.5%). Despite this, they shoot from beyond the arc the 13th most in the league, leading to a largely inefficient and inconsistent offense.

Some nights, they end up hitting more than 40% of their triples, bombarding their opponent from the perimeter. Others, such as Wednesday night against the Clippers, end up on the opposite end of the spectrum, as they hit only four of their 42 attempts from that same distance – one of the worst shooting performances in the league’s history.

Obviously, more consistent shooting would do lots for this team – but how feasible is that improvement? In terms of rotational players, only Grant Williams and Josh Richardson are having above-average seasons from beyond the arc, shooting 46.6% and 38.1% respectively. Besides that, both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are shooting under 35.5%, while they still hoist up almost eight attempts per game.

The Jays are much better shooters than what they’ve showcased so far this season, but at some point, it may be more beneficial to attack the basket at a higher rate.

Secondary shooters, such as Dennis Schroder, Romeo Langford, Al Horford, and Marcus Smart have all disappointed in this area, leading to an extremely underwhelming three-point attack. To improve, coach Ime Udoka can either start to play a more spacious starting lineup – starting Grant Williams in the place of Horford, or Brad Stevens can look to acquire a shooting specialist at the trade deadline.

Ideally, both of these options are acted upon, which will lead to a much more balanced and consistent attack on the offensive end.

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