Josh Minott has been a bright spot for the Boston Celtics this preseason. The newcomer fits the theme that defines this roster: someone eager to prove themselves with a new opportunity.
The 22-year-old wing generated 16 points on 5/9 shooting and knocked down two of the five threes he hoisted. He also snagged six rebounds and swiped a steal in his 23 minutes on the floor.
WHYNOTT A WINDMILL 😤 pic.twitter.com/mPMZBZoeUC
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 13, 2025
The former Minnesota Timberwolf has a seven-foot wingspan, he covers ground quickly with long strides, and he's a willing and able shooter. But his most valuable trait might be his drive.
Minott has a motor that doesn't quit. He remains active at both ends of the floor. That allows him to maximize his versatility, be a disruptive presence defensively, and boost Boston's transition offense. It also enables him to help with perhaps the Celtics' most concerning area: the defensive glass.
"He definitely comes in with that excitement, that joy, and [he's] one of those guys that's just excited for his opportunity," said Derrick White after Sunday's 138-107 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. "[He] can do a lot of different things out there on the court and guard multiple positions, and just kind of be a pest out there.
"He's been great for us this whole preseason: always listening and learning; wants to just keep getting better and show what he can do. And so, try to give him a lot of confidence to go out there and do what he can do, and he can do a little bit of everything out there. It's a good tool to have."
Joe Mazzulla's challenge to Josh Minott
Count Minott's new head coach among those encouraged by what they have seen from him so far. However, that comes with a challenge from his bench boss.
"Has to keep that up," Mazzulla told Hardwood Houdini after the Celtics' victory in their first exhibition tilt at TD Garden this year. "Has to play hard. Has to be able to rebound; has to be able to sprint the floor. Has to crash. Has to shoot the ball if he's open. Has to defend at a high level."
Minott is showcasing why he deserves to be a rotation fixture, one worthy of starting, regardless of whether he gets that nod. However, the regular season is a different beast: more games, more travel, and stiffer competition. How he responds to that consistently will determine how effectively he changes his career trajectory after averaging five minutes per game in his three years in Minnesota.