2022 Second-Round Pick is Fast, Fearless, and Finding a Role in Boston
The Boston Celtics are entering the 2025–2026 season with a noticeable shift in identity. For years, the team thrived in a slow-paced, half-court offense centered around Jayson Tatum methodically creating favorable matchups. However, with Tatum sidelined and a younger, more athletic roster in place, Boston looks ready to pick up the tempo. This season, the Celtics are embracing speed, transition play, and relentless pressure — and new forward Josh Minott is already helping define that style. His athleticism and energy have made him a standout presence early in the preseason.
Minott has made it clear that his role is to push the pace and disrupt opponents. “I play fast. I’m a runner,” he said after a recent training camp practice, adding that he takes pride in speeding up the other team and forcing mistakes. That mentality has already translated to results on the court. In Boston’s preseason win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minott put up 16 points, six rebounds, an assist, and a block in just 23 minutes. His hustle and movement fit perfectly into a Celtics system that now thrives on transition opportunities and quick decision-making.
Beyond his impact on the floor, Minott has quickly connected with Boston’s passionate fan base. After the win over Cleveland, he called the TD Garden crowd “the best preseason crowd” he’s ever played in front of. Having spent time in smaller markets like Memphis and Minnesota, Minott was struck by how engaged Celtics fans were, even in the preseason. “The whole city, it just seems like everybody’s a die-hard fan,” he said. That electric atmosphere seems to fuel his confidence and his joy for the game.
Teammates have noticed that energy, too. Derrick White praised Minott for his excitement and effort, calling him a player who can guard multiple positions and “be a pest out there.” The 22-year-old forward’s versatility and defensive intensity give Boston new lineup options, especially as the team transitions to a faster, more dynamic style. With each preseason performance, Minott is proving that he can contribute in meaningful ways, not just as an athlete, but as a spark plug who raises the team’s intensity.
The Celtics may be changing, but players like Minott are helping ensure it’s the kind that propels them forward. His fast-paced mentality, combined with Boston’s deep-rooted culture of teamwork and toughness, could make the Celtics one of the most exciting teams to watch this year. As Minott put it best, “I was just feeding off the energy.” If this is a preview of what’s to come, the Celtics’ future looks bright — and much faster.
