Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oshae Brissett's Value to the Celtics on Full Display in Preseason
The Boston Celtics' first free-agent signing this summer was forward Oshae Brissett. His conversation with the organization's president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, made him feel wanted, and the chance to join a title contender who valued his skillset was an opportunity that excited the former Indiana Pacer.
"It's a winning program for sure," Brissett expressed following a recent practice session at the Auerbach Center. "That part of it holds heavy over every other team because once a winning team wants you, they're looking for guys that can take them over that hump. We already have stars here; that's not a problem. We have scorers ...We're looking for other guys to come in and play their role and be happy about it, and that's who I am."
The former Syracuse Orange standout's value to his new team has been on full display in Boston's first two preseason games.
Brissett's a savvy cutter who stays active without the ball. In the play below from Sunday's 114-106 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, after getting in front of Mo Bamba, boxing out the seven-foot-center, then quickly going to the floor to corral the rebound, rather than hovering at the right slot, he darts to the rim. It's a pass that probably wouldn't get through. But look at its impact on Bamba, Danny Green, and Tyrese Maxey, getting all three to account for his cutting.
As a result, when Payton Pritchard relocates to the opposite wing to make himself available to Jayson Tatum, the former Oregon Duck's wide-open for three.
In the third quarter of the Celtics 114-107 loss to the New York Knicks on Monday, Brissett produced an old-school three-point play by flashing from the opposite wing as Pritchard drove, receiving the ball at the left elbow, utilizing a power dribble, and then finishing off the glass as he's fouled. He then tacked on the free throw.
While the Toronto, Ontario, native drilled 42.3 percent of his 3.7 attempts from beyond the arc in 2020-21 and a respectable 35 percent of his 3.5 long-range tries two seasons ago, the impact of his cutting and staying active off the ball will provide more consistent value.
The six-foot-seven forward is also a welcome addition defensively. He can guard small and power forwards and even hold up when switching onto specific centers.
Brissett's at his best defending opposing fours, with a prime example coming on a play against the Knicks where he walls off Julius Randle, whose over-dribbling leads to Jordan Walsh swooping in for a steal, taking off down the floor and finishing in control.
Brissett and Grant Williams have much in common, including the former being someone Boston can count on to provide an infusion of energy and grit.
While the play below didn't count, his put-back slam against the Sixers highlighted that and his ability to contribute on the offensive glass.
Whether it's on the boards, with his cutting, or what he brings defensively, Brissett's a role player best suited to showcase his value while on a winning team. Two preseason games into his Celtics career, he's already demonstrating that.
Further Reading
[Film Room] Lamar Stevens States Case for Celtics' Roster Spot
Here’s Where NBA GMs See Jayson Tatum in MVP Race
Here's Who Shined and Who Disappointed in Celtics' Loss vs. Knicks
The Latest on a Potential Celtics Extension with Jrue Holiday
Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present
