Can Drew Peterson Crack the Celtics Rotation?

Drew Peterson getting significant minutes wasnt on most Boston Celtics fans radar.

However, due to several notable injuries, Peterson received quality minutes in the last two games.

Notably, in the first game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White were sidelined in the following game against the Miami Heat, Jrue Holiday , Kristaps Porzingis , Al Horford , and Sam Hauser were out.

Before Sundays game against the Cavs, Peterson had only played in 30 career minutes in six total games in the last two games, Peterson has received 25 and 26 minutes for a total of 51 minutes.

Lets explore if Peterson can break into the Celtics rotation.

Can Drew Peterson Crack the Celtics Rotation? Peterson is a two-way player who has been with the Celtics since last season.

The 6-foot-9 wing hasnt spent much time in Boston, although he has been thriving in Maine.

In the G League, Peterson is averaging 19.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.8 assists.

Even with the injuries and Petersons play in the G League, many fans expected two-way teammate JD Davison to get more of an opportunity in these games.

Notably, Davison recently broke the franchises scoring record.

Nevertheless, Petersons skill set as a big wing allows him to fit within any lineup, and he excelled in the minutes he received.

Peterson gave the Celtics quality minutes in a close 115-111 loss to the Cavs and was a crucial part of Bostons 108-89 win over the Heat.

Petersons Recent Play In the past two games, Peterson averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc.

This includes a seven-point, seven-rebound outing against the Heat.

Petersons ability to space the floor and positional size makes him a natural fit in the Celtics system.

With his size and high-IQ play, Peterson is an active rebounder.

Additionally, the 25-year-old is a much-improved defender with solid positioning and hustle.

In the small sample size of 58 minutes, Peterson has posted an impressive 104.7 defensive rating; when hes not on the floor, the Celtics have a 110.3 defensive rating.

This skill set could allow Peterson to provide the team with valuable minutes even when they are fully healthy.

However, the Celtics wing rotation is loaded with Jayson Tatum , Brown, and Hauser.

Where Does Peterson Fit into Bostons Rotation Some possible open minutes for Peterson could be Jordan Walsh s.

The second-year wing from Arkansas has appeared in 14, averaging 8.6 minutes, 1.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and .2 assists while shooting 32 percent from the field and 25 from three.

While Walsh is an athletic, versatile defender, his lack of offensive production, especially shooting, could give Peterson the edge in the rotation.

You dont want to give up on a 20-year-old with upside like Walsh, but Peterson has produced at a higher level so far.

After getting a DNP against the Cavs, Walsh started against the Heat in 13 minutes he didnt score but grabbed three rebounds.

While Walsh has gotten more minutes this season, Petersons 25 and 26-minute outings exceed Walshs 19-minute season high.

Baylor Scheierman is another young wing to monitor in the Celtics rotation.

Against Miami, the rookie from Creighton received 11 minutes.

Scheierman hasnt shown much in the league so far, only scoring four total points in five games.

However, his shooting and high-IQ play, along with his potential, make him a player worth keeping an eye on.

Mazzullas Trust in Peterson Ultimately, Peterson has stood out among the three Celtics young wings.

Given this recent impressive stretch and Joe Mazzullas praise for Peterson after the Cavs game, expect him to get more regular minutes.

Joe Mazzulla on Drew Peterson: I thought he had some really good defensive possessions, defending without fouling.

He was physical, hes smart.

He has a knack for the ball, whether its offensive rebounding or moving without the basketball to get open, and I think he works...

pic.twitter.com/IJng27geet Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) December 2, 2024 It feels likely that Peterson could take Walshs minutes.

With a fully healthy roster in a big game, he might not play.

However, in a typical regular season game, he could get some sporadic minutes as a spark plug off the bench, and with injuries or during blowouts, Peterson could continue to get extended runs.

Mazzulla has shown a willingness to give minutes to guys who play hard and can shoot regardless of their status.

Petersons extended minutes in the past two games, including six fourth-quarter minutes against the Cavs, speak to Mazzullas trust.

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