While it's the early stages of training camp, many members of the Boston Celtics have been present at the Auerbach Center for quite some time now. Some have primarily stayed there this offseason.
On the heels of practice Friday, Derrick White shared who is standing out to him so far. He highlighted a Celtics newcomer and a returning wing entering a pivotal third year in the Association.
Derrick White highlighted Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh’s defense when asked who has impressed him at Celtics training camp.
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) October 3, 2025
"Josh and Jordan, I think, have done a really good job of making their presence felt defensively.”
On Anfernee Simons:
“Anfernee has gotten better and… pic.twitter.com/Mk5bf295EP
"Josh [Minott] and Jordan [Walsh], I think, have done a really good job of making their presence felt defensively," said White. He also spotlighted Anfernee Simons' growth as he gets acclimated in Boston.
"Anfernee has gotten better and better each day," noted White. "So, we're all just competing with one another and trying to get better."
The intrigue around Josh Minott
At Summer League in Las Vegas, the three-year veteran told Hardwood Houdini about the message from the Celtics' coaching staff that fired him up after signing with Boston.
"Nothing's given. Everything's earned. Don't expect anything," shared Minott. "Honestly, that's everything to me. I just need the opportunity to get the chance to prove who I am and show what I can do."
During his three years with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the former Memphis Tigers standout only averaged 5.0 minutes of playing time. He is among the many on Boston's roster who are eager to prove themselves on basketball's highest level and carve out their place in the league.
"I feel like I have the opportunity to help win," Minott told Hardwood Houdini on the subject of why he signed with the Celtics.
The six-foot-eight forward has a seven-foot wingspan. Minott's length, athleticism, and motor give him the tools to become an impactful and dynamic defender who could become a rotation staple. He could function effectively as a weak-side rim protector and a trusted perimeter option.
He also fits Boston's intention to operate at a faster pace this season. He will sprint the floor and help boost a transition attack that matters even more in Jayson Tatum's absence.
Minott can also help on the glass, another area his new team will sorely miss its star forward. As Derrick White told Hardwood Houdini on Friday, it will take a collective effort to close out possessions.
"It's going to take all -- every person that comes in the game, we got to crash the paint and scratch, claw, do what we can do to get some boards," said White.
If Minott validates why it's worth believing in what he can bring defensively, and he helps on the glass, he will be a regular in Joe Mazzulla's rotation. He should also make an impact in transition. Pairing that with a reliable three-point shot and making plays by remaining active off the ball is the type of well-rounded growth that will have him on his way to changing his career trajectory.