2019-2020 Boston Celtics Mid-Season Grades

Jaylen Brown- Many people, including me, thought Jaylen Brown got overpaid on his contract. But he has come out this season and proved everyone wrong. Brown is averaging career highs in 20 points and 7 rebounds a game while shooting career highs in field goal and 3 point percentages. I personally think he’s emerged as Boston’s 2nd best player and has a real case to make the All-Star team. A

Carsen Edwards- After that incredible shooting performance in Cleveland during the preseason, Carsen Edwards has been a disappointment. He lost the back up point guard job to Wanamaker and now looks to be destined for a development year with the Red Claws. D+

Tacko Fall- Considering Tacko Fall is in the top 10 in East All-Star voting, he should be guaranteed for A! But alas, we actually need to use our eyes and see what he’s done. He’s shown flashes in the G-League averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game and has shown NBA potential standing at 7’6″. C

Javonte Green- Green was the last man to make the roster after being a G-League player for a few seasons. Green has had multiple moments where he’s shown off his crazy hops, but Green hasn’t really offered anything else to the team. C-

Gordon Hayward- Before Hayward broke his hand, he looked like the Celtics best player. Since returning, he hasn’t been the same player. While he has improved off of last season, Hayward’s consistency has been up and down once again. Another concern about Hayward is his lack of aggression of getting to the line. He’s averaging less than 2 free throws a game, the lowest since his rookie year. B-

Enes Kanter- Enes Kanter has brought something the Celtics have been looking for awhile. Rebounding! In limited minutes, Kanter has shown why is considered one of the best rebounders in basketball. Yes Kanter has struggled on defense like he has in the past, but his rebounding and goofy personality has been a gift to the Celtics. B+

Romeo Langford- Romeo Langford was the 14th pick in the draft last year and has made no impact on the team this year. Langford has dealt with injuries but when he’s been healthy, he doesn’t appear to be someone ready for the NBA. F

Semi Ojeleye- Semi Ojeleye had a real opportunity to become a legit rotational player for Boston in his 3rd season. It appears he’s blown his opportunity. He’s averaging 15 minutes a night and only averaging 2.6 points per game. D

Vincent Poirier- Vincent Poirier does not appear to be an NBA player. F

Marcus Smart- Its no secret that Marcus Smart has been the heart of the Celtics for the past few years. His defense has been incredible and has made a case for Defensive Player of the Year. But once again, he has been inconsistent on offense as his field goal percentage has gone down 5 points from last year. At least Smart doesn’t lack confidence when he shoots. B 

Jayson Tatum- Like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum can taken a leap and has become a fringe All-Star at age 21. He’s averaging career highs points, rebounds, and assists while becoming a very good defensive player. However, Tatum shooting percentages are down and has had a lot of all or nothing games this season. If he can be more consistent than Tatum can take that step to super-stardom. A-

Daniel Theis- When Al Horford left in free agency, the biggest concern the Celtics faced was center. Surprisingly, Daniel Theis has stepped up and has become a legit starting center for Boston. He’s become the perfect complimentary piece and a very good shot blocker. However, he does need to work on his 3 point shot. A-

Kemba Walker- The biggest acquisition in the off-season, Kemba Walker has been everything the Celtics have wanted and more. While he is not as talented as Kyrie Irving, Kemba’s leadership is something the Celtics’ desperately needed. At 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists a game; Kemba is a lock to make the All-Star team. A-

Brad Wanamaker- Wanamaker was the 15th man on the roster last season. This season he has become a legit rotational player. After having an excellent start to the season, Wanamaker has fallen down back to Earth. B-

Tremont Waters- r Waters has had his moments, but not enough to earn a regular roster spot. If he continues his stellar play in the G-League, he earn a 15th roster spot next season. C-

Grant Williams- One of the many rookies on the team, Grant seems to be the perfect Brad Stevens player. However, Williams is simply not ready to contribute to a playoff team. He plays hard but he is just awful on offense. C-

Robert Williams III- Time Lord was a revelation for the 1st month of the season. He was ally-ooping and blocking shots like it was nobody’s business. But Williams has been out hip problems for a few months now and it is unknown when he will return. C+

Brad Stevens- Brad Stevens has been trying to rebuild his reputation since last season’s debacle. So far, so good this season. The Celtics has surprised most people this season and the development of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum has been a huge part of it. But the Celtics have it a rough patch of these last two weeks and Stevens hast to get these guys focused once again if they want to get the 2 seed. B+

Danny Ainge- When Kyrie Irving and Al Horford left the Celtics in free agency, the Celtics appeared to be destined to take a step back. But Danny was able to turn around and bring in Kemba and Enes Kanter. Now that the Celtics are in the thick of it, they don’t appear to be deep enough to win the East. With 3 1st rounders in the draft this year, Ainge has the assets to get help for the bench. B

Steve Santoro