The Boston Celtics traded away Kristaps Porzingis this summer, leaving a major hole in their defense. On paper, there’s no true replacement for what the 7-foot-3 big man brought to the floor. But one of Boston’s newest additions may be able to recreate part of that impact.
Hardwood Houdini’s Jack Simone recently pointed to Josh Minott as a candidate to fill the role Porzingis once played. Signed this offseason, the 22-year-old forward is raw and unproven, but his athleticism and defensive instincts give him a chance to grow into a roaming shot-blocker — the kind of free safety Boston leaned on with Porzingis, and before him, Robert Williams.
How Josh Minott Fits the Celtics
Minott hasn’t had much opportunity in the NBA, but his flashes are intriguing. Playing alongside Rudy Gobert in Minnesota gave him a chance to drift off the ball, much like Porzingis did in Boston.
The numbers are impressive in a small sample. Opponents shot 8.6% worse at the rim with Minott on the floor last season, putting him in the 98th percentile among forwards. That rim-protecting upside is why Boston may see him as more than just a developmental flier.
Why the Porzingis Role Matters for the Celtics
Porzingis thrived as a “help-over” defender. With Al Horford matching up with elite bigs like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, Porzingis was free to slide into the paint and alter shots.
It’s a role that Robert Williams also played brilliantly during his Celtics tenure, using his quickness and instincts to clean up at the rim. Between Williams’ departure two seasons ago and Porzingis’ trade this summer, Boston has lost two players who excelled as off-ball protectors.
Now, the blueprint is clear. If Neemias Queta holds his own as the primary interior defender, Minott could step into that free-safety role.
Offense Will Decide Minott’s Celtics Minutes
The limitation is obvious. Minott hasn’t proven himself as a reliable three-point shooter. To stay on the floor, he’ll need to add value with energy plays — cutting, screening, and crashing the glass.
If he can do that, his defense could be enough to make him valuable. His athleticism gives the Celtics a chance to recapture some of the defensive impact they lost with Porzingis.
Mazzulla’s Next Project
Head coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized maximizing every player on the roster. Minott may be one of his most intriguing projects yet.
The Celtics also brought in Chris Boucher, who has a similar skill set, but Minott’s age and ceiling give him a different kind of appeal. If Queta anchors the paint, Minott could emerge as Boston’s newest defensive weapon.
Porzingis is gone, and Williams has been gone even longer. Minott isn’t either of them. But if his development clicks, he could provide the Celtics with the same defensive backbone those players once gave — and that would make him a quiet steal of the offseason.
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