Boston — With Jayson Tatum recovering from injury and several veterans no longer on the roster, Jaylen Brown has taken on a larger leadership role for the Boston Celtics. Brown remained in Boston throughout the offseason to accelerate chemistry with the club’s five new additions.
“It’s a little bit sad; a lot of the guys I spent a lot of time with aren’t here anymore,” Brown said, according to the Boston Globe. “I’m trying to expedite that chemistry building and trust building so you can see a good product when we get to the floor.”
The 27-year-old guard acknowledged that mentoring did not come naturally early in his career but said he has reached “a different level of peace” that allows him to be more expressive with teammates.
Pistons: Holland Adds 15 Pounds for Frontcourt Duty
Detroit — Rookie Ron Holland has put on 15 pounds in anticipation of logging minutes at power forward behind Tobias Harris. “Whatever position they need me to play, I’m ready for it,” Holland told the Detroit Free Press, adding that the extra weight should help him guard bigger forwards.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff plans to double down on Detroit’s transition identity. Last season the Pistons ranked second in fast-break points per game (18.5) and seventh in points off turnovers (19), numbers Bickerstaff said he wants to build upon while maintaining a strong defensive approach.
Hornets: Front Office Sees Star Trajectory for Miller
Charlotte — Despite a wrist injury that sidelined him for part of last season, third-year wing Brandon Miller, 22, continues to draw lofty praise from Hornets leadership.
“I don’t want to put a ceiling on him because Brandon can be as good as he wants to be,” executive vice president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson told the Charlotte Observer. “He can be a Hall of Famer, and he knows the expectations on him this season. More importantly, he has those same expectations for himself.”
The Hornets view Miller as a potential All-Star and long-term cornerstone as the franchise rebuilds.
Source: Hoops Wire
