4 Key Takeaways on Celtics’ Newest Addition: Oshae Brissett Explained

Oshae Brissett Joins Boston Celtics: A Look at the New Forward

Introduction

In a surprising move, Oshae Brissett has become the first player to join the Boston Celtics in free agency this offseason. The 25-year-old forward, who spent the last three seasons with the Indiana Pacers, agreed to a two-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum, with a player option for the second year. While not a marquee signing, Brissett brings some intriguing qualities to the team. Here are four key things to know about him.

1. International Play and Commitment to Canada

Brissett is set to play a significant role for the Canadian basketball team going forward. Last May, he was one of 14 NBA players who made a three-year commitment to the Canadian men’s basketball team, which extends through the 2024 Summer Olympics. This commitment came after Canada narrowly missed qualifying for the 2021 Olympics. While Brissett was not on the roster at the time, he now has the opportunity to represent his home country on the international stage.

It remains to be seen if Brissett will compete for Canada this summer in the FIBA World Cup, as the roster has yet to be finalized. Nonetheless, his commitment to the national team demonstrates his dedication to the sport and his desire to contribute to the growth of Canadian basketball.

2. Strong Performances Against the Celtics

One of the intriguing aspects of the Celtics’ acquisition of Brissett is his history of standout performances against his new team. In February 2022, during the Celtics’ midseason turnaround, Brissett had a memorable game against Boston, scoring a game-high 27 points on impressive shooting percentages. He showcased his long-range shooting abilities, making six out of nine three-point attempts.

Brissett also had another solid shooting night against the Celtics a little over a month later, scoring 17 points, including four three-pointers. While his performances against the Celtics this past season were not as strong, it is clear that Brissett has the potential to be a threat on the offensive end, particularly from beyond the arc.

3. Shooting Ability and Efficiency

Brissett’s shooting percentages throughout his NBA career indicate that he is a capable shooter, albeit with some fluctuations. Over his three seasons with the Pacers, he shot 41.2% from the field, making 34.9% of his three-point attempts. Notably, his shooting percentages improved when he played more minutes, suggesting that he benefits from consistent court time.

However, Brissett’s shooting efficiency took a dip this past season as he played fewer minutes and occupied a spot in the Pacers’ rotation. Despite this, his shooting potential, especially from the corners, remains a valuable asset that could contribute to the Celtics’ offensive game.

4. Hustle Plays and Defensive Impact

While Brissett may not be known for his flashy plays or scoring prowess, he excelled in several less popular areas during his tenure with the Pacers. Notably, his offensive rebounding percentage ranked in the 83rd percentile throughout the league, demonstrating his ability to create second-chance opportunities for his team.

Defensively, Brissett’s impact is notable. When he was on the court, opponents scored fewer points per possession than when he was on the bench. This suggests that Brissett’s presence improves the team’s defense. Additionally, he ranked relatively high in steal percentages over the past two seasons, indicating his ability to disrupt opponents’ offenses.

Editorial Perspective: Brissett’s Potential and Role with the Celtics

While Brissett may not be a star player, his signing with the Celtics presents an opportunity for him to contribute in meaningful ways. With his size, shooting ability, and hustle plays, he has the potential to be an end-of-the-rotation player who can fill various roles as needed. If Grant Williams leaves the team this offseason, Brissett could be in the mix to replace him, utilizing his strengths as a corner shooter and defensive presence.

Ultimately, Brissett’s success with the Celtics will rely on his ability to thrive in a well-coached system and play alongside talented teammates. The Celtics’ development programs and coaching staff have a track record of cultivating young talent, and it will be interesting to see how they can enhance Brissett’s game.

Conclusion

As the first player to join the Boston Celtics in free agency this offseason, Oshae Brissett brings an array of skills and potential to the team. His commitment to the Canadian national team, history of strong performances against the Celtics, shooting ability, and impact on both ends of the court make him an intriguing addition. While he may not be a focal point of the team, Brissett’s contributions as an end-of-the-rotation player could prove invaluable to the Celtics’ success.