Boston Celtics: Player report cards for Christmas

Al Horford: B+

Al Horford hasn’t been spectacular this season. He’s seen his age and injuries catch up to him, as he’s now dealing with patellar tendinitis. Horford has been steady as always, however, and has been the veteran presence the youthful Celtics need.

The injury certainly goes a ways to explain the decline in Horford’s counting stats this season, but they haven’t been severe downticks. He’s still shooting a respectable 34 percent from deep, and that number has risen to 45 percent in the last seven games that he’s been active. If Horford can come back fully healthy and stay healthy, look for his grade to rise into the A range by season’s end.

Aron Baynes: B

Aron Baynes has been consistent. It’s the best word to describe him. He isn’t flashy, he doesn’t do anything spectacular, but you always know exactly what you’re going to get when he gets on the floor.

For the first time in his career, he demands a modicum of respect at the 3-point line. Until this season, he had never attempted at least one 3-pointer per game in his career. This season, he’s shooting 1.5 3s a night and hitting a respectable (for a center) 32.4 percent of those shots.

Baynes has provided consistent defense in the paint while giving the second unit the much-needed ability to space the floor. He has battled injury all year, and broke his hand against the Suns, so health will be a priority for Baynes as the Celtics enter the dog days of the NBA season.