Which Celtics player will jump this season? – NBC Sports Boston

Civil year 2026 is not a year of jump, but the Boston Celtics certainly hope.

For the first time in the short mandate of Joe Mazzulla as head coach, there is a real possibility of leaning heavily on the development of the younger players in Boston through the representatives of the NBA game. The departure of the main members of the Boston title team, combined with the rehabilitation of Jayson Tatum from Achille’s intervention, could open the doors to higher opportunities for players who have not yet had the opportunity to completely show what they can do at the NBA level.

To start week 2 of ours Ramp to the field series, we asked our panel to choose Which of the younger players in Boston is more likely to go a jump this season.

The Panelists were encouraged to focus on the players of the roster currently aged 25 or less than 25 – a group that presents Hugo Gonzalez (19), Jordan Walsh (21), Josh Minott (22) and Baylor Scheierman (24). We loosened the criteria for a bit to include the 26 -year -old trio of Neemias Queta, Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman, and it should be noted that Anfernee Simons is still only 26.

Given the strong performance of Queta on Eurobasket, culminating with him basically keeping the competitive Portugal for three quarters against the favorite German Germany, we thought our panel could tilt in the direction of the great man. Our experts behind the scenes actually leaned heavily in a different direction.

However, everything is put in line for Queta to thrive this season. After giving Celtics small doses of key minutes, also as a two-way player at the beginning of the season of the 2023-24 title, Queta will see its game peak, especially after the rest of the stable Boston center has practically left this offseason to Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet and (in the end) to the horford.

Queta should exudate confidence after his Eurobasket exhibition. He scored 15.5 points on average, 8 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.0 steals in 24 minutes per game in six appearances. He made fun of Porzingis, Alperen Sengun, the old friend Daniel Theis and (in a very small dose) three times the most precious player Nikola Jokic.

The Celtics have thrown the wolves in several times in his two seasons in Boston. Now, he must show the type of progress that would give the team the trust to accumulate minutes of start -up in his own way.

We are intrigued to see if even a couple of ex -wolves can push him. Garza must show that it can hold defensively in large minutes, while we have already noticed in this series how high on Minott we blink here, potentially like a small large ball.

We will also make a short shot here for Jordan Walsh, who felt as if he could be ready to start the door of the game time that came out of the field last year, but never exploited that moment quite exploited. We liked Walsh’s mentality during his recent appearance on Celtics Talk PodcastAnd we think that if he plays with the type of trust and fire that we have seen in his last period of the summer championship, then he has a real possibility of making a jump.

Remember, he is still 22 years old. But it is also undeniable that it is time for him to show his evolution that enters the year 3 as a professional.

Our panel certainly seems to think that another recent Boston draftee will push him for minutes in that position of the wing.

Darren Hartwell, chief editor

Baylor Scheierman.

The increased minutes are a great cure for the shocking shots and I can certainly see Scheierman find his rhythm with a more coherent role. But I am more intrigued by Scheierman’s passage skill after seeing him abandon some impressive shades in Summer League. Leave Baylor to cook on the second unit.

Michael Hurley, web producer

First of all, this forced me to realize that Payton Pritchard is 27 years old. It seems wrong. I ask for a story! But I think the answer must be Neemias for necessity.

He will play much more than 14 minutes a night, and while the Celtics may not need a double double from him every night, they will need to take a huge step forward in almost every area. I don’t know how it will do, but it certainly has the greatest opportunity in the team.

Sean McGuire, web manufacturer

Baylor Scheierman.

The choice of the first round of 2024 should carve out a more important role if it can play and limit the drops in defense. Because while Scheierman’s 3 -point shooting has been stripped, his right is a legitimate force.

It would be a welcome addition to the second unit with Pitchard that could raise with appetizers.

Baylor Scheierman did everything for the Celtics in match 2 of the Summer League action. He dropped 13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 3 stolen in the victory of the Celtics 94-81 on the Knicks.

Josh Canu, media editor

Baylor Scheierman.

I expect great opportunities and minutes for the second year of Creighton in his second season NBA. It will have the opportunity to take one of the largest bench roles in this team.

Its defense is my greatest concern while fighting for a few minutes, but if it continues to improve that end of the floor it will have the opportunity to show its game and shooting potential.

Max Lederman, content producer

Despite the minimum minutes as a debutant last season, the feeling of Baylor Scheierman for the game was on display every time he was on the pitch.

There should be many opportunities to play this season, so look for him to shine.

Kevin Miller, VP, content

I would take Josh Minott for this.

It looks like a boy in which production will follow with an increase in minutes. He will probably have to make confidence at the beginning of the season, but it could be a factor if he does.

Adam Hart, Ep, Content Strategy

Science is clear: Hugo Gonzalez will not be because Joe Mazzulla does not like beginners (according to Baylor Scheierman). So it is Scheierman as a candidate for the jump season.

It is deceptively fast, sliding around the floor. Shoots left, which gives him an advantage. Above all: it is competitive. That will play.