Hardwood Houdini
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Ranking the 5 worst Celtics starters of the Jayson Tatum era

By Ben Grunert

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics gestures during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics gestures during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/) 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.
Boston Celtics (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/) 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. /

Semi Ojeleye

Like Baynes, Ojeleye makes a case for the least talented Boston starter since Tatum entered the league. However, he also mirrored Baynes as a physical defender who did the best with what he could from a talent perspective.

Ojeleye made his initial claim to fame among Celtics fans with his impressive defense on a young Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2018 playoffs. His gritty approach to guarding the Greek Freak helped out Boston a lot, but the former second-round pick didn’t ever develop much after that.

A career 38.4% shooter from the field, Ojeleye never even cracked five points per game in a single season. During the 2020-21 campaign – his final season with Boston – the SMU product averaged a career-high 4.6 points per game while drawing 15 starts in 56 outings.

In 38 career playoff games as a Celtic, Ojeleye shot a porous 28.4% from the field. His postseason range also left much to be desired as he only sank 26.4% of his deep attempts.

In 24 career starts with Boston, Ojeleye averaged a modest 7.3 points per game. Over his last 13 starts, he put up five points per game and didn’t crack double-digit scoring once.

Since his last NBA stint with the 2021-22 Clippers, Ojeleye has played overseas in the EuroLeague. He recently signed with Valencia Basket over the summer.