Josh Minott, who is set for a $2.8 million team option for the 2026-27 season, needs to be extended for the long term.
After never starting a game in his first three seasons with Minnesota, Minott has been in the starting lineup 75 percent of the time for the Celtics in the early part of the campaign, and for good reason.
Minott’s Defensive Versatility
The 22-year-old Minott has career highs in nearly every statistical category, but what has stuck out most is his defense.
In just 22 minutes per game, the 6-foot-8 forward is averaging 1.5 steals and 0.5 blocks a night. The stellar performances give him a 1.5 Defensive Box/Plus Minus, which is ranked 24th in the NBA.
Once Jayson Tatum returns to the lineup, Minott is the perfect guy to pair with him in the starting five. The “Lawn Mower’s” near seven-foot wing span allows him to guard the top-scoring forward on defense, relieving Tatum of the task.
Offensive Growth
The former University of Memphis player has also shown signs of potential on offense.
Minott has shown multiple times in the season that he has great IQ on when to cut to the basket for easy dunks or layups.
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Even though he is shooting 45% from the field and 32% from deep, there have been signs of growth, including a 21-point performance against the Wizards, where Minott was 8-for-12 from the court and was 3-for-6 from three.
Minott has also shown flashes as a rebounder, which was highlighted by a 15-rebound double-double in a win over the Cavaliers.
At just 22 years old, Minott has room to grow — he is not even a full year older than the 11th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Cedric Coward.
Sam Hauser’s Struggles Open the Door
Sam Hauser was projected to be the starting forward over Minott, but has been easy to replace due to his shooting 36% and a career low of -1.2 Defensive Box/Plus Minus.
Even with Hauser set to make over $10 million for each of the next three seasons, Minott looks to be the guy that Joe Mazzulla will roll with.
With the struggling Anfernee Simons‘ $27 million contract expiring, the Celtics would be $30 million under the first apron for next season. That gives Boston the flexibility to decline Minott’s $2.8 million option and offer him an extension, keeping him in Beantown for the foreseeable future.
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