Green With Envy: Celtics Preseason First Impressions

October 13, 2025
Hosts: Will and Greg
Guests Referenced: Mike Gorman, Drew Carter, Amina Smith, Dana Barros, and more
Episode Focus: An in-depth breakdown of Boston Celtics preseason performances, with first impressions of new arrivals: Josh Minott, Anthony Simons, Ugo Gonzalez, Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, and more. The show also explores broader NBA trends and their impact on Boston’s development philosophy, all in the context of the team’s goal for Banner 19.

Episode Overview

Will and Greg kick off three games into the Boston Celtics’ preseason by sharing their initial impressions of the team’s newcomers. The focus is strictly on players who were not on the team last year—including rookies, free agents, and recent acquisitions. Drawing on insights from the league (particularly the Simmons and Goldsberry conversation), they analyze how Boston’s front office is trying to stay ahead of NBA trends, while evaluating each new Celtic’s fit, impact, and long-term potential.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Bigger Picture: NBA Trends & Missoula’s Offense

The hosts contextualize player evaluations within the NBA’s recent shift: increased pace, long rebounds from three-pointers, high full-court defensive pressure, and the necessity for athleticism, quick decision-making, and basketball IQ.
Joe Mazzulla's Philosophy: Focus on “advantage basketball”—not just three-point volume, but on creating two-on-ones and exploiting defensive inefficiencies.
- “The Celtics offense is creating advantages in two on one… create two on ones and then take advantage of it, whether that leads to a three-pointer or a layup.” (Greg, 04:55)
The Celtics’ roster-building is framed as an attempt to find specialized role players who can thrive under these tactical demands.
Broader comparisons are drawn (Jaden McDaniels, Amen Thompson/Tari Eason “Terror Twins”) to highlight how certain archetypes are increasingly valuable in the league.

Player-by-Player First Impressions

1. Josh Minott: Preseason Standout

Timestamps: [04:19]-[12:45]

Athleticism: “Best athlete on the team. And I don’t think there’s a question about it.” (Greg, 05:19)
Role Fit: Excels as a cutter, strong in transition, makes quick decisions—possibly the developmental wing Brad Stevens has sought for years.
Shooting: Effort has gone into improving his three-point shot; form still mechanical but serviceable.
Development Path: Drawing parallels to failed (Langford, Nesmith, Walsh) and successful (Nesmith—elsewhere) wing projects.
Rotation Outlook: “Maybe Josh Minott’s the first one out of this group I’m feeling pretty good about… This is a rotation guy. And he’s 22 years old.” (Will, 10:04)
Notable: “Is he finally the developmental wing project that Brad Stevens has been trying to solve for maybe five, six years?” (Will, 08:50)

2. Anthony Simons: The New Scoring Guard

Timestamps: [13:30]-[23:52]

Scoring: Matches expectations as a tough shotmaker (18 & 21 points in preseason games), draws “Dame Lite” comparisons.
Athleticism: Little visible “burst”—plays “fluid, balletic,” somewhat reminiscent of Cade Cunningham.
Ball Handling: Concerns with pressure; “doesn’t have point guard handles,” struggles against full-court defense.
Defense: Yet to be tested against starter-level NBA competition.
Role: “I haven’t really seen that explosive athleticism… offensively he’s a tough shot maker, right?” (Will, 15:19)
Size Perception: “He just looks like a piece of paper out there… plays really small.” (Greg, 22:02)
Facilitation: Underwhelming; hoped for more playmaking.
Comp: “Is he a 6’3” Brandon Ingram?” (Greg/Will, 23:02)

3. Ugo Gonzalez: The 19-Year-Old Disruptor

Timestamps: [23:52]-[32:28]

Defense: “His ability to play full court defense… and his ability to navigate screens has been really impressive.” (Greg, 23:52)
Offense: Ball handling described as “Derrick Whitish” (functional, not flashy). Needs to develop his shooting.
IQ & Growth: Poised, quick decision-maker; shows feel for pro game due to overseas experience.
Role: Possibly #3 point guard already—concerning for roster depth exposed by preseason pressure.
Potential: “He’s 19 years old. Like, he’s going to be a problem on defense in four years…” (Greg, 23:52)
Pairing with Minott creates energy: “I love that energy. Right. Like, we're gonna have to win some of these games unexpectedly just on like grit, effort, hustle…” (Will, 28:02)

4. Luka Garza: Steady (If Unspectacular)

Timestamps: [32:29]-[35:31]

Role: “Steady” backup big, excels at screens and court positioning.
Strengths: High basketball IQ, solid but not athletic defensively.
Limitations: Athleticism and rim protection; comparison to Kendrick Perkins’ “cement shoe feet.”
Rotation Outlook: Could reliably soak up 15–20 minutes but limited defensive versatility.
“He’s just got those Kendrick Perkins cement shoe feet, you know what I mean?” (Greg, 35:27)

5. Chris Boucher: The Wild Card Big

Timestamps: [35:32]-[41:12]

Shooting: “When his shot’s going in, you’re like, oh, yeah, Chris Boucher. But then when his shot’s missing, you’re like, that’s not an NBA looking shot.” (Greg, 38:08)
Role Fit: Offensively fits Missoula’s stretch-5 philosophy; defensively limited at center.
Energy: Brings length, activity; but consistency and functional fit are ongoing questions.
Rotation: May start in certain matchups but unlikely as a permanent solution.
“I think that’s going to be an interesting feel out process with him.” (Will, 40:29)

6. Other Newcomers & Notables

Wendell Moore: Praised for an electric preseason dunk. “Small sample size, I’ve liked a little bit of what I’ve seen.” (Will, 41:51)
Jordan Walsh: Missed time due to injury; likely facing an uphill battle for minutes after promising showings from other young wings.

Memorable Quotes & Standout Moments

On Minott’s Athleticism: “Every step that he takes, it seems like there are springs in his shoes.” (Greg, 05:19)
On NBA Trends: “You need athletes on defense, you need ball handlers on offense, you need players who know how and when to set screens…” (Greg, 06:23)
On Ball Handling Depth: “Joe went to Ugo Gonzalez pretty quickly. It's like, alright, you're the next point guard. Like Ugo Gonzalez might be the third point guard on this team already.” (Will, 21:26)
On Garza’s Mobility: “He kind of got those Kendrick Perkins cement shoe feet, you know what I mean?” (Greg, 35:27)
On Boucher’s Role: “But there are certain teams that I think he can, he can definitely be part of that starting lineup… there’s not going to be like a go-to starting lineup.” (Greg, 40:59–41:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Show theme & focus intro: [01:27]
NBA trends & positional needs: [04:19]-[08:50]
Josh Minott deep dive: [04:19]-[12:45]
Anthony Simons analysis: [13:30]-[23:52]
Ugo Gonzalez assessment: [23:52]-[32:28]
Luka Garza profile: [32:29]-[35:31]
Chris Boucher breakdown: [35:32]-[41:12]
Others (Wendell Moore, Walsh, etc.): [41:32]-[42:41]
Disappointments (mainly Neemias Queta): [44:41]-[45:33]
Around the league (“Interesting Team/Player”): [46:44]-[56:24]

Notable Around-the-League Section

Interesting Team & Player:

Greg: Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga—has the tools to thrive in the new NBA, but unwillingness to play in a role may keep him from reaching full potential.
Will: Dallas Mavericks and rookie Cooper Flagg—already looking like a future star, moving “like a superstar,” lauded by peers, could be an instant-impact rookie.
- “Dallas Mavericks fans deserve a team that they want to root for… For the fans, it's good that they got the karma of Cooper Flag coming back to them because he's just so much fun, dude.” (Greg, 52:50)

Quick Touch on LeBron:

First opening night missed in his career due to injury—signals his longevity but also Father Time.

Tone and Chemistry

The episode is high-energy, conversational, and packed with playful banter and pointed insights. Will and Greg embrace overreactions (“MVP of the preseason!”) but contextualize everything in “small sample size” reality. There’s genuine excitement and cautious optimism about the developmental trajectory of Boston’s roster, even as they acknowledge the team’s real weaknesses in ball handling and frontcourt defense.

Summary Takeaways

Josh Minott and Ugo Gonzalez stand out as potential developmental successes—athletic, quick-thinking, and upside-laden wings that could solve long-standing Boston needs.
Simons brings scoring as advertised, but ball handling (under pressure) and defense are concerns.
The frontcourt is solid but unspectacular; Garza and Boucher provide steady, if limited, minutes, while rotation and matchup specifics will dictate larger roles.
The Celtics will likely rotate starting lineups based on opponent, especially at big positions.
NBA-wide trends of pace, spacing, and pressure defense put a premium on versatile, athletic, and high IQ “role” wings—shaping Boston’s acquisition strategy.
Disappointments are minor for now (notably Queta), but optimism pervades as the team continues to evaluate combinations before the regular season.

For more preseason breakdowns, follow the pod’s upcoming live postgame on YouTube/Twitter after the preseason finale vs. the Raptors.

Green With Envy: Celtics Preseason First Impressions

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Bigger Picture: NBA Trends & Missoula’s Offense

The hosts contextualize player evaluations within the NBA’s recent shift: increased pace, long rebounds from three-pointers, high full-court defensive pressure, and the necessity for athleticism, quick decision-making, and basketball IQ.
Joe Mazzulla's Philosophy: Focus on “advantage basketball”—not just three-point volume, but on creating two-on-ones and exploiting defensive inefficiencies.
- “The Celtics offense is creating advantages in two on one… create two on ones and then take advantage of it, whether that leads to a three-pointer or a layup.” (Greg, 04:55)
The Celtics’ roster-building is framed as an attempt to find specialized role players who can thrive under these tactical demands.
Broader comparisons are drawn (Jaden McDaniels, Amen Thompson/Tari Eason “Terror Twins”) to highlight how certain archetypes are increasingly valuable in the league.

Player-by-Player First Impressions

1. Josh Minott: Preseason Standout

Timestamps: [04:19]-[12:45]

Athleticism: “Best athlete on the team. And I don’t think there’s a question about it.” (Greg, 05:19)
Role Fit: Excels as a cutter, strong in transition, makes quick decisions—possibly the developmental wing Brad Stevens has sought for years.
Shooting: Effort has gone into improving his three-point shot; form still mechanical but serviceable.
Development Path: Drawing parallels to failed (Langford, Nesmith, Walsh) and successful (Nesmith—elsewhere) wing projects.
Rotation Outlook: “Maybe Josh Minott’s the first one out of this group I’m feeling pretty good about… This is a rotation guy. And he’s 22 years old.” (Will, 10:04)
Notable: “Is he finally the developmental wing project that Brad Stevens has been trying to solve for maybe five, six years?” (Will, 08:50)

2. Anthony Simons: The New Scoring Guard

Timestamps: [13:30]-[23:52]

Scoring: Matches expectations as a tough shotmaker (18 & 21 points in preseason games), draws “Dame Lite” comparisons.
Athleticism: Little visible “burst”—plays “fluid, balletic,” somewhat reminiscent of Cade Cunningham.
Ball Handling: Concerns with pressure; “doesn’t have point guard handles,” struggles against full-court defense.
Defense: Yet to be tested against starter-level NBA competition.
Role: “I haven’t really seen that explosive athleticism… offensively he’s a tough shot maker, right?” (Will, 15:19)
Size Perception: “He just looks like a piece of paper out there… plays really small.” (Greg, 22:02)
Facilitation: Underwhelming; hoped for more playmaking.
Comp: “Is he a 6’3” Brandon Ingram?” (Greg/Will, 23:02)

3. Ugo Gonzalez: The 19-Year-Old Disruptor

Timestamps: [23:52]-[32:28]

Defense: “His ability to play full court defense… and his ability to navigate screens has been really impressive.” (Greg, 23:52)
Offense: Ball handling described as “Derrick Whitish” (functional, not flashy). Needs to develop his shooting.
IQ & Growth: Poised, quick decision-maker; shows feel for pro game due to overseas experience.
Role: Possibly #3 point guard already—concerning for roster depth exposed by preseason pressure.
Potential: “He’s 19 years old. Like, he’s going to be a problem on defense in four years…” (Greg, 23:52)
Pairing with Minott creates energy: “I love that energy. Right. Like, we're gonna have to win some of these games unexpectedly just on like grit, effort, hustle…” (Will, 28:02)

4. Luka Garza: Steady (If Unspectacular)

Timestamps: [32:29]-[35:31]

Role: “Steady” backup big, excels at screens and court positioning.
Strengths: High basketball IQ, solid but not athletic defensively.
Limitations: Athleticism and rim protection; comparison to Kendrick Perkins’ “cement shoe feet.”
Rotation Outlook: Could reliably soak up 15–20 minutes but limited defensive versatility.
“He’s just got those Kendrick Perkins cement shoe feet, you know what I mean?” (Greg, 35:27)

5. Chris Boucher: The Wild Card Big

Timestamps: [35:32]-[41:12]

Shooting: “When his shot’s going in, you’re like, oh, yeah, Chris Boucher. But then when his shot’s missing, you’re like, that’s not an NBA looking shot.” (Greg, 38:08)
Role Fit: Offensively fits Missoula’s stretch-5 philosophy; defensively limited at center.
Energy: Brings length, activity; but consistency and functional fit are ongoing questions.
Rotation: May start in certain matchups but unlikely as a permanent solution.
“I think that’s going to be an interesting feel out process with him.” (Will, 40:29)

6. Other Newcomers & Notables

Wendell Moore: Praised for an electric preseason dunk. “Small sample size, I’ve liked a little bit of what I’ve seen.” (Will, 41:51)
Jordan Walsh: Missed time due to injury; likely facing an uphill battle for minutes after promising showings from other young wings.

Memorable Quotes & Standout Moments

On Minott’s Athleticism: “Every step that he takes, it seems like there are springs in his shoes.” (Greg, 05:19)
On NBA Trends: “You need athletes on defense, you need ball handlers on offense, you need players who know how and when to set screens…” (Greg, 06:23)
On Ball Handling Depth: “Joe went to Ugo Gonzalez pretty quickly. It's like, alright, you're the next point guard. Like Ugo Gonzalez might be the third point guard on this team already.” (Will, 21:26)
On Garza’s Mobility: “He kind of got those Kendrick Perkins cement shoe feet, you know what I mean?” (Greg, 35:27)
On Boucher’s Role: “But there are certain teams that I think he can, he can definitely be part of that starting lineup… there’s not going to be like a go-to starting lineup.” (Greg, 40:59–41:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Show theme & focus intro: [01:27]
NBA trends & positional needs: [04:19]-[08:50]
Josh Minott deep dive: [04:19]-[12:45]
Anthony Simons analysis: [13:30]-[23:52]
Ugo Gonzalez assessment: [23:52]-[32:28]
Luka Garza profile: [32:29]-[35:31]
Chris Boucher breakdown: [35:32]-[41:12]
Others (Wendell Moore, Walsh, etc.): [41:32]-[42:41]
Disappointments (mainly Neemias Queta): [44:41]-[45:33]
Around the league (“Interesting Team/Player”): [46:44]-[56:24]

Notable Around-the-League Section

Interesting Team & Player:

Greg: Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga—has the tools to thrive in the new NBA, but unwillingness to play in a role may keep him from reaching full potential.
Will: Dallas Mavericks and rookie Cooper Flagg—already looking like a future star, moving “like a superstar,” lauded by peers, could be an instant-impact rookie.
- “Dallas Mavericks fans deserve a team that they want to root for… For the fans, it's good that they got the karma of Cooper Flag coming back to them because he's just so much fun, dude.” (Greg, 52:50)

Quick Touch on LeBron:

First opening night missed in his career due to injury—signals his longevity but also Father Time.

Tone and Chemistry

Summary Takeaways

Josh Minott and Ugo Gonzalez stand out as potential developmental successes—athletic, quick-thinking, and upside-laden wings that could solve long-standing Boston needs.
Simons brings scoring as advertised, but ball handling (under pressure) and defense are concerns.
The frontcourt is solid but unspectacular; Garza and Boucher provide steady, if limited, minutes, while rotation and matchup specifics will dictate larger roles.
The Celtics will likely rotate starting lineups based on opponent, especially at big positions.
NBA-wide trends of pace, spacing, and pressure defense put a premium on versatile, athletic, and high IQ “role” wings—shaping Boston’s acquisition strategy.
Disappointments are minor for now (notably Queta), but optimism pervades as the team continues to evaluate combinations before the regular season.

For more preseason breakdowns, follow the pod’s upcoming live postgame on YouTube/Twitter after the preseason finale vs. the Raptors.

Celtics Preseason First Impressions: Simons, Minott, Hugo, Garza, and Boucher

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Summary

Green With Envy: Celtics Preseason First Impressions

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Bigger Picture: NBA Trends & Missoula’s Offense

Player-by-Player First Impressions

1. Josh Minott: Preseason Standout

2. Anthony Simons: The New Scoring Guard

3. Ugo Gonzalez: The 19-Year-Old Disruptor

4. Luka Garza: Steady (If Unspectacular)

5. Chris Boucher: The Wild Card Big

6. Other Newcomers & Notables

Memorable Quotes & Standout Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Notable Around-the-League Section

Interesting Team & Player:

Quick Touch on LeBron:

Tone and Chemistry

Summary Takeaways

Summary

Green With Envy: Celtics Preseason First Impressions

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Bigger Picture: NBA Trends & Missoula’s Offense

Player-by-Player First Impressions

1. Josh Minott: Preseason Standout

2. Anthony Simons: The New Scoring Guard

3. Ugo Gonzalez: The 19-Year-Old Disruptor

4. Luka Garza: Steady (If Unspectacular)

5. Chris Boucher: The Wild Card Big

6. Other Newcomers & Notables

Memorable Quotes & Standout Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Notable Around-the-League Section

Interesting Team & Player:

Quick Touch on LeBron:

Tone and Chemistry

Summary Takeaways