Celtics open training camp in Charleston

The Boston Celtics began their preseason training camp in Charleston, South Carolina, at The Citadel's McAllister Field House. This marks the first time in nearly a decade the team has held part of camp on the road, a shift head coach Joe Mazzulla noted has not happened since Jayson Tatum's rookie season. The team started work in Boston last Tuesday before arriving in Charleston on a rainy Saturday for a three-day session.

Player development staff assigned across roster

A structured player development plan is in place for the revamped roster. Craig Luschenat, the head of player development, is focusing on rookies Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell. Specific veteran assignments have been distributed among the coaching staff.

Shamgod Jr. Led Jaylen Brown's development last year, while Jefferson worked with Nikola Vucevic and Foulland with John Tonje. Tony Dobbins, who helped Tatum recover from an Achilles injury, remains his primary point person.

Veteran leadership and youth development in focus

With Jaylen Brown's departure creating a leadership void, younger players are being counted on to step forward. Jordan Walsh, who signed a three-year, $15 million extension in July, is prominent among them. The 22-year-old started 25 games last season, established himself as an elite defender, and is now one of the longer-tenured Celtics behind Tatum, Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Derrick White.

"It feels more stress-free, honestly," Walsh said. "It's the first year where I can kind of take a breath of fresh air." He, along with Hugo Gonzalez, Ron Harper Jr., and Baylor Scheierman, are expected to emerge as veterans. Gonzalez and Scheierman are also working with assistant coach Tyler Lashbrook, a recent finalist for the Portland Trail Blazers head coaching job. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens added new contributors Paul George, Mike Conley, and Mitchell Robinson to the mix.

New routines and preseason schedule take shape

The Celtics have instituted a new mandatory routine for road trips: a 15-minute yoga session at the team hotel upon landing in a new city. Athletic trainer Paul West, with the team since 2020, leads these post-flight sessions. Payton Pritchard said the location of camp does not impact his mindset. The coaching staff remains unchanged from previous seasons.

Mazzulla emphasizes early unity and adversity as growth tools

Joe Mazzulla stated the Charleston camp is a continuation of work started in Boston. He cautioned that the feeling of togetherness at this stage is common and fleeting. Every team you lead is the most together team right now, Mazzulla said. He stressed that facing adversity is necessary to learn how a team responds under pressure. Training camp continues in Charleston on Monday. The Celtics will fly to Cleveland on Wednesday for their first preseason game of the season on Thursday.