The Boston Celtics uncovered Josh Minott, and the 6’8 wing is already impressing in his early days. John Hollinger couldn’t hide his desire to see him play on a recent episode of the Zach Lowe Show, and his role is already becoming clear. The Celtics want Minott to create havoc for the opposition, and it could quickly make him a player that is impossible to take off the floor.
Minott’s impact was massive in the preseason opener. He was everywhere on his way to eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block in 26 minutes of action. Celtics reporter Jack Simone summed it up perfectly.
Wherever the ball is, Josh Minott is. He's a magnet. Corner crashing, offensive rebounds, off-ball cutting, poke-away steals. It's beautiful to watch.
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) October 9, 2025
Minott is one crucial improvement away from a true breakout, and the Celtics are the perfect team to help him take the needed step. Brad Stevens targeted the 6’8 forward after three years of barely playing in Minnesota, and fans will soon find out why.
Josh Minott is the Celtics' next hidden gem
Several players have found new levels on the Celtics in recent years. Stevens is fantastic at identifying talent that fits the style Joe Mazzulla wants to play. Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet all found new levels as Boston became a serious title contender over the last four seasons. Minott may be the next name on that list.
He played just 463 minutes over three seasons with the Timberwolves. Minnesota had an eye on contending and was fine letting the 6’8 forward walk in free agency. They couldn’t find a role for him, but Boston was eager to sign him to a two-year deal this offseason.
The losses of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, and Kornet have put an emphasis on perimeter defense. The Celtics were eager to get a pesky and versatile option like Minott capable of filling multiple roles.
The missing piece for Minott is his 3-point shooting. He will stand out on the defensive end, but can he offer enough offensively to stay on the floor? The 23-year-old has made 20 of his 59 career 3-point attempts, but he took five in the preseason opener. Mazzulla and the Celtics’ coaching staff are giving him the confidence to shoot. The makes will likely follow as Boston has proven elite at developing jumpers.
Every contending team is searching for a versatile 6’8 3-and-D wing to round out their roster. The Celtics just uncovered one willing to take a minimum contract in free agency. He is certainly a hidden gem, but not for much longer. Fans will soon be raving about Minott’s game and impact on winning. It will be yet another feather in Stevens’ cap of uncovering talent.
The Boston Celtics don’t see this as a gap year. Jayson Tatum is eager to return from his injury, and Joe Mazzulla isn’t tanking. They will try to win every game, and uncovering a gem like Josh Minott certainly helps. Do not count out the Celtics yet. They will certainly surprise many, and so will their soon-to-be uncovered gem.