Boston Celtics: 5 Stats That Stand Out From Preseason

The Boston Celtics wrapped up their eight-game preseason schedule on Wednesday with a 100-86 point victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The victory, which capped off a 5-3 record was another example of a team that continues to look much more confident and fluent than the one that managed just 25 wins last season. Under second year coach Brad Stevens, the Celtics have the ball moving freely around the court, are sharing the scoring load and look committed on the defensive end. While preseason numbers can only tell you so much, there have also been some overwhelmingly positive signs to come out of these games, so let’s take a look at the five stats that stand out the most.

Sullinger is leading the team in points and rebounds

Jared Sullinger looks set to become one of the NBA’s breakout stars in 2014-15, with the third-year big man looking more well-rounded, healthy and confident than ever before. After spending his sophomore season working on his outside shot, the results seem to be paying off with Sullinger knocking down .500 percent of his 3.8 attempts per game in the preseason. His confident outside shot mixed with his ability to finish around the rim has allowed the Celtics’ forward to average 14.9 points per game in just 26 minutes, leading the Celtics through the preseason.

Sullinger continues to be one of the league’s most productive rebounders, as he has averaged 10.9 rebounds per game and produced three double-doubles in the preseason. Sullinger looks fitter, more confident and is allowing his natural talent to come to the forefront as he emerges as a candidate to lead the Celtics in scoring and boards not just in meaningless preseason games but once the real competition starts next week.

Committed to the three

The Celtics have played throughout the preseason with a clear and obvious focus on using the three point shot as one of their primary weapons. Stevens has the team moving the ball freely around the perimeter which is opening up the long-range shot and everyone from point guards to big men are shooting the ball from deep with confidence. The team is averaging 29 three-point attempts per game, good for second just behind the league-leading Mavericks in preseason and it looks to be a trend that will carry-over to the regular season. Jimmy Toscano from CSNNE discussed the three point focus with Celtics’ guard Avery Bradley.

"Bradley has averaged 4.0 three-pointers per game in the preseason, fifth highest on the team behind Marcus Smart (5.5), Marcus Thornton (5.1), Jeff Green (4.5), and James Young (4.5). Jared Sullinger averaged 3.8 while Kelly Olynyk averaged 2.9. Even Brandon Bass (0.5) is getting in on the fun this year. So yeah, the three-point line is a popular hang out spot.“I know that’s what our coach wants us to do is shoot threes and shoot twos at the basket,” Bradley said. “I can’t really say [if the preseason numbers will carry over] but I know that we have a lot of great three-point shooters. If we continue to shoot the ball the way we’ve been shooting I think that’s going to continue and we’re going to continue to put up a lot of threes every single game.”"

Marcus Thornton providing instant offense

When looking ahead to the Celtics’ 2014-15 season, recently acquired veteran guard Marcus Thornton has been somewhat overlooked. Joining the team via trade in the offseason, much of the focus has been on the other player in that trade, center Tyler Zeller who fits more of a need in the middle but Thornton is reminding everyone  of the scoring talent he possesses throughout the preseason.

Despite playing just 18 minutes per game, Thornton has been the Celtics’ second leading scorer in preseason averaging 12.8 points per game and knocking down 1.9 threes at 36.6 percent. The 27-year-old shooting guard provides a huge spark off the bench offensively and could be a key contributor with the ability to single handedly turn games with his ability to score in bunches. In a crowded back court it may be hard for Thornton to find extended playing time but it will be hard for Coach Stevens to keep him off the floor if he continues to produce such effective numbers on the offensive end.

The rookie is leading the team is assists and steals

While No. 6 pick Marcus Smart has struggled with his shooting throughout the summer league and preseason, the rookie guard has shown that he is more than ready to compete at the NBA level in a number of other ways. Defensively, Smart already looks to be on the trajectory to become one of the league’s elite defensive guards. He works relentlessly, is great positionally and uses his strength to dictate his opponents movements. Well ahead of his years, Smart has led the Celtics in steals during the preseason with 2.4 per game and could quickly become one of the NBA’s elite ball-hawks.

We knew Smart could defend, but it has been his ability to create for others on the offensive end that must be a pleasant surprise for Stevens and the Celtics’ coaching staff. In Rajon Rondo‘s absence, Smart has started the majority of the preason at point guard and is moving the ball freely and effectively. His 4.6 assists per game lead the Celtics and his drive-and-kick appears to be a lethal option for a team focussed on using the three pointer to their advantage. As soon as his shooting comes around, Smart is going to be one of the most well-rounded and NBA-ready players in the 2014 draft class.

Turner already showing his versatility

After signing on for cheap with the Celtics after a disappointing end to the season in Indiana, Evan Turner has quickly become a favourite of Coach Brad Stevens and is proving that even in limited minutes he can produce all over the court. With the ability to play multiple positions, Turner has primarily played at shooting guard and small forward but was also tested as the starting point guard in Rondo’s absence. His passing from the wings is a welcome addition to this new-and-improved Celtics’ offense.

Turner averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game in the preseason and it appears that he will have a significant role for the Celtics this season. With the team looking to move starter Jeff Green to the power forward position in certain line-ups, Turner will have the opportunity to earn extended playing time at the two and three. If Rondo remains on the sidelines to start the season Turner could be relied on as a playmaker and become one of the team’s most important players, boosting his value both on the court as well as in potential trade talks.

All in all, despite Rondo’s injury it has been a successful preseason for the Celtics and like the rest of the NBA the team looks ready for the real games to start and see how much of their impressive form carries over to the regular season.