done Deal: Boston Celtics signed an offseason deal with lakers to play the same role as the Cs’ former draft pick

Boston Celtics offseason signing Oshae Brissett could have the same role on the Cs that Aaron Nesmith had during his first two seasons in the league before being dealt by Brad Stevens and Co. to the Indiana Pacers in the 2022 offseason for Malcolm Brogdon—this, at least, according to NBC Sports’ Darren Hartwell.

“Brissett isn’t much of an offensive threat, but his hustle on both ends of the floor was exactly what the Celtics needed against a hard-playing Heat team,” Hartwell prefaced before saying, “Whenever the energy level of Boston’s top six is lagging, expect Joe Mazzulla to inject Brissett into the lineup for an added spark, similar to what Aaron Nesmith provided the C’s during his two seasons in Boston.”

Brissett’s first bucket in Boston was a baseline slam, and his time on the floor resulted in the third-best boxscore plus-minus for the team in a 119-111 win over the Miami Heat. Unquestionably, Brissett provided the complementing contributions against Miami that could keep him in the rotation this season, as starters’ minutes likely fall under the league’s new rest rules.

Boston Celtics second unit contributes minimally to home-opening win over Miami

Boston was buoyed by their starters, who just about did all the heavy lifting in the C’s TD Garden-welcoming win over the Heat. The second unit was notably absent against Miami, whose bench outscored Boston’s 20-8.

Al Horford continues to look a step slower than he did during the 2022–23 season, perhaps having a tough time adjusting to life off the bench after starting for two straight seasons under two different head coaches. He shot 0/6 from the field and scored no points, though he did grab 10 rebounds. Payton Pritchard made his only shot, a three, while Sam Hauser made one of his two long-range attempts himself. Brissett missed his only other attempt besides the dunk.

Boston’s starting lineup is so good that this shouldn’t be debilitating by any stretch, but the C’s lack of depth is going to put a strain on its top guys, a possibly costly occurrence when the later rounds of the postseason roll around.