Category: Boston Celtics Blog

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Jayson Tatum says his knee is improving

Per Boston.com:

After missing two games earlier this month, Jayson Tatum says his body is healing up.

The Celtics’ star missed a pair of contests against the Detroit Pistons on Dec. 4 and 12 due to right patella tendinopathy. Those are the only games Tatum’s missed all season.

Speaking with reporters on Saturday ahead of Boston’s tilt versus the Chicago Bulls, he chalked the ailment up to playing frequently at the beginning of December.

“That was just a tough stretch. I think we played, like, six games in nine days, or something like that,” Tatum said when asked about his knee. “But it’s definitely getting better.”

Jayson Tatum named East Player of Month for October and November 2024

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has been named the NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Month for October/November, the NBA announced.

Tatum earns the first NBA Player of the Month award for the third consecutive season. He also collects his fifth career monthly honor for the second-most Player of the Month awards in Celtics history, next to Larry Bird (7).

In October/November, Tatum was the only player in the Eastern Conference to average at least 28.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. Tatum scored the third-most points in the East with 546 points and ranked first in clutch points (46), tied for first in clutch assists (12), third in total three-pointers made (76), and second in plus/minus per game (10.5). He helped lead the Celtics to a 16-3 overall record for the second-best winning percentage in the NBA and tied the second-longest win streak with seven consecutive wins (11/13-11/29).

The five-time All-Star is averaging at least 25.0 points per game in his fifth-straight season and has tied his career single-season high 55.2 effective field goal percentage. Tatum is on pace to become only the second player in NBA history to lead their team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-point field goals in multiple seasons, joining fellow Celtic Larry Bird.

Celtics sign Sam Hauser to contract extension

The Boston Celtics recently signed forward Sam Hauser to a contract extension.

“You can count on Sam. He comes to work every single day with the right mindset and attitude,” said Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations. “His shooting gets most of the attention – but his feel for the game, defensive versatility, and his consistency as a teammate have allowed him to impact our team in the biggest of moments. We are excited Sam has decided to extend his contract with the Celtics.”

Hauser has appeared in 185 career games (21 starts) with the Celtics over the last three years, averaging 7.0 points and 2.8 rebounds in 17.2 minutes per game since originally signing to a two-way contract in August 2021. Hauser owns the best three-point shooting percentage in Celtics history at 42.2 percent (min. 150 3FG) while his 356 career makes ranks 15th in Celtics history. The Wisconsin native is one of only five Celtics in franchise history to register at least 400 rebounds, 270 three-pointers, and 115 assists off the bench.

2024-25 Celtics preseason game schedule

The 18-time Champion Boston Celtics will open the preseason against the Denver Nuggets at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024. Boston and Denver will play two games at Etihad Arena on Friday, October 4 and Sunday, October 6.

The Celtics will return to TD Garden to play against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, October 12 at 8:00PM as part of the team’s five-game exhibition slate for the 2024-25 NBA season.

Boston’s preseason schedule continues at TD Garden when the Celtics host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, October 13 at 7:00PM.

Additionally, the Celtics will play against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00PM.

Celtics sign Derrick White to contract extension

The Boston Celtics in the first week of July signed guard Derrick White to a contract extension.

“Derrick is a great player who has immersed himself in the Boston community since joining us in the Spring of 2021,” said Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations. “Derrick brings a joy and selflessness to our building every single day. He’s committed to improving and has shown that in each year of his career. More importantly, he cares most about the things that matter, including building great relationships and competing with integrity. We are very lucky that Derrick is a Celtic and are thrilled he’ll be here for years to come.”

White has appeared in 181 games (147 starts) with the Celtics since he was acquired in February 2022, and is averaging 13.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 29.9 minutes per game. During the 2023-24 regular season, White appeared in 73 games (all starts) and became the second Celtic in franchise history to average at least 15.0 points, 5.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals in a single season, alongside Larry Bird (1984-85; 1990-91).

The two-time All-Defensive team selection averaged 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 19 playoff games during the Celtics 2024 NBA Championship run. White is the only player in NBA history to register at least 300 points, 70 assists, and 16-or-fewer turnovers in a single playoff run. The 6-4 guard registered the fifth-most blocks in the 2024 postseason (23) and became the fourth NBA guard since 1971 to record at least 20 blocks in multiple playoffs, including Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, and Dennis Johnson.

White was selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft after graduating from the University of Colorado where he garnered 2017 All-Pac-12 Conference First Team and All-Defensive Team honors his senior year.

Celtics sign Jayson Tatum to contract extension

The Boston Celtics recently agreed to a contract extension with All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum.

“Jayson is a special person and player, and it’s been a thrill for all of us to watch his entire journey in Boston,” said Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations. “He has embraced all that comes with being a great Celtic, and shows consistent and genuine care for every one of his teammates, coaches, and staff across the organization. Despite all the team accomplishments and individual awards, Jayson is committed to constantly improving. He works hard and is extremely driven by the challenges of the game – especially the goal of competing with his teammates for championships. We are obviously ecstatic that Jayson chose to extend his contract and add to his amazing career as a Boston Celtic.”

Celtics re-sign Xavier Tillman

The Boston Celtics recently re-signed forward/center Xavier Tillman Sr.

“When we got Xavier at the trade deadline, he came with the reputation of a winner and great teammate,” said Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations. “Xavier is a hard-worker who brings grit, toughness, and a team-first mentality that we appreciate. We are excited that Xavier has chosen to come back to the Celtics.”

Tillman Sr. appeared in 20 games (two starts) for the Celtics during the 2023-24 season after being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies on February 7. In 54 games this season, he averaged 5.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 18.0 minutes per game.

On January 12, Tillman Sr. scored a season-high 20 points on 8-of-10 made field goals and grabbed nine rebounds vs. the Clippers. He recorded 10 multi-steal games this season, including a career-best six steals on January 13 when he became one of seven NBA players to register at least 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, and six steals in a game this season.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan native was selected with 35th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft after playing three seasons at Michigan State. In three NBA seasons, Tillman Sr. owns career averages of 6.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 227 career games (58 starts).

Celtics re-sign Luke Kornet

The Boston Celtics recently re-signed center Luke Kornet.

“Luke has been an integral part of our team over the past few years,” said Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations. “He is the ultimate teammate and his attitude and spirit have a contagious effect on our team. On the court, Luke had his best season as a Celtic and played a big role in helping us win. We are excited about the impact he’ll have moving forward.”

Kornet appeared in 63 games for the Celtics during the 2023-24 season, averaging 5.3 points, a career-high 4.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 15.6 minutes per game. The seven-year veteran played in 13 playoff games during the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship run while averaging 3.0 points and 3.2 rebounds.

The Vanderbilt alumnus has appeared in 280 career NBA games (42 starts) and owns career averages of 5.0 points and 3.0 rebounds. Kornet will suit up for his fourth season with the Celtics after he was originally acquired on March 26, 2021.

Medical update on Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn retinaculum and dislocated posterior tibialis tendon in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on June 9th. This injury always requires surgical repair. Porzingis had hoped to delay surgery until after both the NBA Finals and Latvia’s Olympic campaign, but the injury doesn’t allow for consistent play at the level required for Olympic competition. Surgery will be performed in the coming days, and further updates will be provided when available.