Josh Minott makes it clear why he quickly bounced back after losing starting job

The Boston Celtics' most impressive newcomer to start the season was Josh Minott. The fourth-year wing ascended into the starting lineup. He stayed there for nine straight games and generated a career-high 21 points in a win vs. the Washington Wizards.

However, the soon-to-be 23-year-old never lost perspective on the reality and the fluidity of his situation.

"I don't consider that I have any staying power. I'm trying to go out there like this [expletive] can end tomorrow because it can," said Minott about his place in the first lineup after that career night against the Wizards. "Every time I go out, I just assume it can be taken from me."

And it was.

Three games later, in a rivalry clash with the Philadelphia 76ers, he logged just 8:16 and did not play in the second half. That could have crushed a young wing trying to carve out his place in the NBA.

However, thanks to his healthy outlook, positive mentality, and fortitude, rather than his demotion leading to an extended slump as his emotions got the best of him, Minott quickly bounced back.

"If you were poor, and I gave you 20 bucks, then instantly took 20 bucks, you never really felt like you had it, right?" he said with a smile after the Celtics' 138-129 win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. "Yeah, it was nice, but I don't know, I kind of am used to this position, so it's not like anything insane."

His ability to handle that early adversity recently earned praise from his head coach.

"The league is very unforgiving from a physical standpoint on your body, and also a mental standpoint," Joe Mazzulla told Hardwood Houdini following a practice at the Auerbach Center two days after Minott registered 10 points, four rebounds, and earned a +15 plus-minus rating thanks to a two-way impact that resulted in 19 minutes of floor time in a victory vs. the Brooklyn Nets.

"Josh is a guy who takes that serious, who understands the opportunity that he has, and he just continues to get better and better, and that's all you can ask for."

Why Josh Minott is persevering

The six-foot-eight wing contributed 16 points off the bench in Sunday's win at TD Garden. He knocked down 7/8 shots, grabbed seven rebounds, and swatted a Tyus Jones layup attempt in his 20 minutes on the parquet.

Post-game, the Florida native had the opportunity to explain the outlook that helped him navigate the transition from the starting lineup to coming off the bench again.

"Just not forgetting who I am. Where I come from. What I'm capable of," Minott told Hardwood Houdini. "Great group of guys, great team, so much depth to this team, and I understand that we're mad interchangeable, especially with the defensive versatility that we all have. So, just staying true to myself, knowing what I can do."

For a player who spent most of his career between the Minnesota Timberwolves' bench and their G League affiliate, as much as it must've stung to lose his starting spot, just as his perspective helped him when he was in the first unit, it allowed him to showcase his resiliency when that changed.

It's a trait that will earn him trust with his new team. That will lead to more opportunities to continue to prove himself.