When reports surfaced that the Boston Celtics had signed Josh Minott this summer, the first thing many fans did was head over to YouTube to figure out who exactly Josh Minott was.
The former Minnesota Timberwolves forward had little opportunity to prove he belonged in the NBA over his first three seasons. If there was one thing that stood out from his highlights, it was his awkward-looking jumpshot.
So, why on earth is Brad Stevens signing this guy to try to fill the void left by the departures of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford?
These first 24 games have shown fans exactly why Minott was a home run signing for the Celtics.
First and foremost, bringing him in on a minimum contract was never going to be a risk. If worse came to worst, Boston could’ve waived the second year of the deal by using the team option. It was clearly a “try-out” type of agreement.
Josh Minott's jumper has been a pleasant surprise for Celtics
So far, it looks like Minott has made the team, which, of course, references the 2026-27 edition of the Celtics with a fully healthy Jayson Tatum.
At just 22 years old, the Boca Raton native still has plenty of room to grow, while already fitting nicely into Joe Mazzulla’s rotation. Minott’s defensive prowess and nose for the glass immediately made him an impact player for Boston.
After starting 0-3, the Celtics moved Minott into the starting lineup and started winning games. He’s since moved back to the bench in favor of Jordan Walsh, but still holds a sizeable responsibility.
Boston’s even used him as a de facto small-ball five at times this season, and it’s worked out pretty well for them.
The hustle, defense, and athleticism were somewhat known when he arrived in July, though. What has been the biggest surprise, however, has been that his janky-looking jumper actually works -- like really well.
Through 23 appearances for the Cs, Minott has shot 44.6% from beyond the arc on 2.8 attempts per game. He’s attempted 65 total triples since coming to Boston, which has already eclipsed the number (59) he’d taken as a member of the Timberwolves.
His high volume of threes has allowed him to raise his career three-point percentage by nearly 6% in such a short time.
Minott is in the elite club of players who, I think, are making every shot that they take. That’s how reliable he’s been from long range thus far.
His 7.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game are both career highs, too.
Not to mention that Minott seems like an awesome vibes guy who teammates and Joe Mazzulla really get along with. Oh, and there’s a mutual love between him and the fanbase already.
"I just love this place so much, man,” he explained after an October win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. “This place just brings me so much happiness. My teammates, coaches, the staff... I'm talking top to bottom. I can't thank God enough."