Hand up, I did not know who Josh Minott was when the Boston Celtics signed him back in July. The 22-year-old wing appeared in just 93 total games in his first three NBA seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Not exactly a lot of time to make a name for himself.
Through two preseason games as a Celtic, he’s done just that. It hasn’t been flashy. But Minott has quickly shown exactly why the front office went out and got him this summer and how he can contribute to an eventual contender in Boston-- whether it be this year or next.
As has been the focus for Boston throughout training camp, it all starts on the defensive end for Minott. The former Memphis Tiger is the definition of a pest. Think of the most annoying guy you’ve ever encountered at a pick-up run. That’s him.
Always up in his man’s airspace, consistently disrupting the offense, and racking up stocks.
He only had one steal in Friday’s loss, after logging three on Wednesday. The one steal, however, came because Minott was face-guarding Raptors big man Sandro Mamukelashvili all the way down the court. Jamal Shead basically threw the pass right into his hands without Minott really noticing.
That’s just one example of “the Lawnmower’s” high motor creating defensive chaos -- something Celtics fans should grow accustomed to this season.
“One transition I know we wanted to do this year was to help more for each other,” said Minott after Wednesday’s win in Memphis. “So, I'm kind of just watching the ball, as well as my man, trying to get back up, but at the same time understanding that it's all five vs. the ball. It's not just a one-on-one with the ball. So, just trying to read that and see where I can help off-ball really.”
He’s also made an impact on the glass so far. Considering Boston’s significant frontcourt losses this summer, Minott’s rebounding should help him earn extra minutes in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.
Minott's offensive IQ will help him fit nicely next to Celtics stars
Offensively, Boston’s new No. 8 always seems to be in the right place at the right time; whether he’s cutting hard to the hoop, running the floor in transition, or relocating into open space on the perimeter. These things may sound minute, but by executing well, Minott makes things much easier for himself and his teammates.
Four of his six baskets against Toronto came easily (if you count the below alley-oop layup as easy) because of smart off-ball play.
Josh Minott alley oop layup pic.twitter.com/1jPdDRqzbG
— Danielle Hobeika (@DanielleHobeika) October 11, 2025
Low-usage effectiveness is key when playing alongside stars like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
It sounds so cliché, but Minott is a tremendous energy guy who is on track for a real role with the Celtics. He’s also 100% going to have himself an awesome moment at TD Garden sometime this year. Fans who may not have tuned into any preseason hoops will be in for a pleasant surprise when they watch him for the first time.