Celtics Training Camp Notebook: Teasers and the calm before the storm

Boston Celtics training camp starts early this year. They will be playing a couple of preseason games in Abu Dhabi on October 4 and 6 against the Denver Nuggets. But before they set off, they’ll have training camp in Boston, and their Media Day is set in stone for October 24. (Follow along here at Hardwood Houdini for on-the-ground coverage.)

As that date inches closer and closer, storylines are sure to pop up. Among them are Lonnie Walker IV’s performance, how Boston’s big men perform in the wake of Kristaps Porzingis’ injury, and what Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown look like coming off their respective Team USA dramas.

So, before the storm comes in and takes over the new cycle, let’s discuss.

1. Celtics releasing early pictures

The Celtics social media team has been teasing the fanbase with pictures, getting the people ready for the upcoming season. Players have been slowly trickling back into the city, and they’re already getting some work in at the Auerbach Center.

Lots of different players are back at work. From Jaylen Brown to Jordan Walsh to JD Davison, everyone looks ready to get started with next season.

Derrick White is there, too, as is veteran big man Al Horford. Both were posted to the Celtics’ official Twitter account.

With less than a week left until Media Day, the players are already getting started with next year, and fans are getting an early glimpse on social media.

2. Lonnie Walker IV and Dmytro Skapintsev

The most exciting part about every season (for most people) is getting to see what the new players look like. In the case of the Celtics, there aren’t many new guys around. Boston is bringing back a roster that is nearly identical to last season. The only exceptions are training camp players.

Tristan Enaruna and Ron Harper Jr. are joining the Celtics from Summer League, but Lonnie Walker IV and Dmytro Skapintsev are the far more interesting players to follow—mostly because fans haven’t seen them rep the Celtics yet.

Walker played last year with the Brooklyn Nets, and now, he’ll have a chance to compete for the 15th and final roster spot. As for Skapintsev, he’ll likely spend next season in Maine, but it will still be intriguing to see what he can bring to the table.

3. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s attitude

Fresh off a title, Tatum and Brown were thrown into a summer of drama, and it all stemmed from Team USA. Brown was snubbed from the team, and Tatum was benched in two of their six games at the 2024 Olympics.

Now, the star duo will have a chance to streamline any lingering frustrations into next year with the Celtics, and that will start during training camp.

There will be plenty of quotes and rumblings that come out of training camp this year, regardless of the fact that Boston’s squad looks eerily similar to last year’s.

But right now, it’s still the calm before the storm.