NBA Notebook: Celtics preparing for more physicality in the league this year

BOSTON -- Payton Pritchard appeared in front of reporters with blood streaming down his neck. The cut occurred on Friday, he said, and looked fresh on Saturday. And he didn't sound happy about it. 

"It's been very physical," Pritchard said. "It's definitely been a war out there. I am tired, but it's good to push the body to these limits to get ready for the season. Definitely pushing ourselves." 

The Celtics have focused on physicality since a challenging five-game series against the Orlando Magic in April that featured bruising hits, some leading to injuries, and limited foul calls. It left Boston struggling to stick to its own game, a disciplined approach on defense that played the percentages as some in the organization, including Jaylen Brown, questioned how clean Orlando played the series. Brown even wondered whether they needed to fight the Magic, while Kristaps Porziņģis openly wondered whether the Celtics should change their play style and try to get away with fouling, due to the way officials called the series. Boston ultimately didn't need to do so, taking advantage of the Magic's offensive struggles and their reliance on Paolo Banchero to slide through the series in five games. 

A different approach hit them in round two, running, rebounding and posting-up from the Knicks knocked the Celtics out of the playoffs. New York flexed more athleticism, speed and crunch time execution than Boston, and with the Celtics' game plan decimated by injuries and illness, they couldn't rediscover a new identity in time trailing by 3-1 in the series. Now, after numerous offseason departures and new kinds of players replacing them, the Celtics have teased a faster pace, a more aggressive defense and a more physical one. 

"I don't want this misconstrued by any means," Brad Stevens said in May. "There are absolutely no excuse, both teams are playing under the same guidelines with the same whistles and everything else, so that is what it is, but it's clearly more physical. A lot of us, as we watch it, probably like that, but there's a line, and I think in the Orlando series in particular, I'm not sure if we played 82 games like that anybody would be left. But I think that my biggest thing as a league is making sure we give the defenders the right to hold their ground. You have to have the right to hold your ground, but I think we've gotten back to a lot of the grabbing and holding that makes it harder to move. So hopefully those things get ironed out. I know our officiating groups in the NBA work on that all the time, and that’s not an excuse at all for us. I’m not sure we were hurt from it nor benefited from it. I just think that we got beat. But I do think that it is more physical.” 

What do they need to counter that change? 

"Linebackers," Stevens joked. "You're always thinking that way. When the rotations shrink in the playoffs, which not everybody’s shrunk, I think there are some teams that are playing more guys than normal, and I think all of that is stuff to look at, but when the rotations shrink, generally, I think it’s largely because there is an even increased intensity level, there is an increased physicality level, no matter what is said, you just have to match that, and the very best athletes match that."

Physicality and execution stood out most to Joe Mazzulla through the closing stages of the postseason after the Celtics' elimination. The Thunder, who achieved the greatest defensive season of the 2020s, embraced fouling more than most teams in the playoffs. Oklahoma City averaged 21.5 fouls per game, surpassed by only the Pistons and Pacers, who also made the NBA Finals. A thin line separated the most and least foul-prone teams, Boston finishing fifth (19.5 per game), carrying forward the desire to not put opponents on the line. In a battle between the team that allowed free throws the most and least often between the Magic and Celtics, respectively, in round one, Boston's conservative approach prevailed. Winning the free throw battle became among Mazzulla's margins that decide games, whether that, turnovers, shot attempt totals and rebounds. 

Yet as the Celtics prepare to play faster, which will inevitably bring more giveaways of their own, Mazzulla sounded willing through the first week of camp to embrace trading some defensive discipline in exchange for forcing more turnovers. They may need to in order to generate a positive turnover differential. Players described becoming playmakers on that end, swiping at balls, jumping passing lanes and taking calculated risks. Mazzulla, asked what a good risk is on the defensive end, said it comes down to time, score, situations, advantages and other factors, so Boston will seemingly pick and choose when to unleash their more aggressive schemes on that end. 

"Halfway through last year, the league made a little bit of a change where the game became much more physical," Mazzulla said. "I think that's what's best for the league and we just have to adapt to adapt to that. That's one of the trends ... I think the game's in a great place in terms of how it's being officiated, how it's being called, how it's being played and that's one of the things that we have to continue to improve on is just our continual physicality, regardless of it's regular season or playoffs." 

Referees have visited training camps around the league to call scrimmages and discuss rules entering the new year. A video from the league highlighted how officials will stress the landing zone flagrant foul, blocking fouls that disrupt a driver's straight path to the basket and 'high-fives' on jump shots that the league often let go in the past.. Last season, NBA teams finished committing roughly the same number of fouls per game (18.6) as the year prior (18.7). Free throws remained the same (21.7) while falling by nearly two per game compared to 2023. Since 2007, the last time the league called 22 fouls per night and awarded more than 26 free throws, the averages have fluctuated every few years by 1-2 per game. Into the playoffs, the league statistically called more fouls and free throws compared to last regular season, roughly two more of each per game. Yet the sentiment existed from those who played in it that the playoffs allowed more fouls to go uncalled. Of course, they don't track the total number of missed calls, which could've increased. 

Mark Daigneault tried to limit Thunder fouling too, he reflected during the Finals, and said Oklahoma City wanted to play legal basketball. Chris Finch, however, sounded off on the Thunder's approach, saying they foul a ton while arguing that you can't touch Shai Gilgeous-Alexander yourself. NBA VP of officiating Monty McCutchen explained any perceived difference as a result of increased intensity. While some coaches expressed their opinions, Mazzulla tried to dodge any notion that the opponent's play style impacted the Celtics at all. He yelled get up toward Jayson Tatum after he hurt his wrist on a hard foul during the Magic series, and didn't echo the sentiments of some of his players about how the Magic played. Everyone saw how Oklahoma City benefited from similar tactics. 

"You see OKC," Pritchard said on Saturday. "Who won the championship, they get away with a lot of hands, fouls, physicality. Stuff like that. So the NBA, I feel like, in the playoffs allowed a lot more physicality to happen, but you gotta learn how to play through it and be more physical. So we're emphasizing it and it's been good." 

Mazzulla, who called pace an overused term and clarified that the Celtics won't use 'hockey subs' to reinforce their intense play style as both ideas got tossed around to start camp, did acknowledge that Boston is working on the mindset of playing more physically. When they're willing to foul more will stay situational, the Celtics notably sent Mitchell Robinson to the free throw line intentionally when the points per possession on the plays appeared advantageous. If there's an upside to potential fouls, Mazzulla said, then they'll embrace them. If not, they'll correct them. True to form, as most people in the building have stressed how tough Boston's training camp has been, Sam Cassell calling it the hardest he's seen, Mazzulla considered it all potential recency bias. 

Through his first three seasons as head coach, the Celtics ranked second, first and second, respectively, between 2023-2025 in personal fouls committed. Their opponents attempted the fewest free throws in the NBA across each of the last two years. Boston also took a relatively conservative approach to forcing turnovers, finishing in the bottom-five of opponent turnovers in each of his seasons. Fouls could come as a byproduct of that, though with less sure-fired rim protection, no Jrue Holiday and less positional versatility on defense, the Celtics may have no choice other than changing their defensive approach. Some aspects of Boston's system will stay the same, thinking fast and moving between coverages will continue under Mazzulla on that end, as will the communication aspect of adjusting on the fly when someone sees something. 

"These are obviously the building blocks in training camp," Celtics assistant Ross McMains said on Saturday. "Having a different group of guys as a coach, you're always, game-to-game, season-to-season, week-to-week adjusting what you have to do based on your own personnel." 

Here's what else happened around the league this week...

Boston: Began training camp expressing a desire to play faster on offense and more aggressively on defense to match the personnel that they have this year. Anfernee Simons spoke for the first time since joining the team, acknowledging that Joe Mazzulla challenged his defense while assuring him he's not as bad on that end as the criticism has stated. Several players, including Simons, noted doing defensive drills they never had before, while Sam Cassell called the first week the hardest training camp he's seen in 34 years. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard focused more on integrating teammates and leading than making Jayson Tatum's absence about themselves doing more. Xavier Tillman Sr. said a March injection and losing 12 pounds alleviated left knee swelling that returned around January and played a part in derailing his second Celtics season. Tatum, who's looked on at practice while rehabbing, could return sometime in March, according to buzz Jake Fischer has heard. Boston begins the preseason on Wednesday in Memphis at 8 p.m. EST. 

Charlotte: Tre Mann, a breakout star for the Hornets early last season, reflected on a back injury that he expected to only knock him out for a short time before it derailed his season entirely last year. He's fully recovered to begin training camp, and reflected on what he considered a dark time. Charles Lee said rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner has stood out among their new players, and is worth watching after the Celtics traded back from position to draft him early in the second round. He's part of the dynamic alongside Mason Plumlee and Moussa Diabaté to replace Mark Williams, who was traded to Phoenix on draft night. Josh Green (shoulder) and Grant Williams (ACL) remain without timetables to return. 

Chicago: Early notes from Bulls camp -- Josh Giddey missed Wednesday's practice as a precaution after an ankle injury, Nikola Vučević is feeling young after a strong EuroBasket showing and Isaac Okoro is impressing in his first practices since arriving from Cleveland in an offseason trade for Lonzo Ball. 

Cleveland: The Cavs are continuing some routines while changing others in reaction to how last season finished, particularly regarding health, into Kenny Atkinson's second season. Boston will see a Cavs roster that mostly looks the same save for ongoing injuries to Darius Garland and Max Strus, alongside losing Ty Jerome in free agency. 

“I’ve heard it around here, like, ‘Oh, it’s just the regular season.’ It doesn’t work like that," Atkinson said. "We have to continue to build. The only way you get better at the end is to get better every day and get better in every game. So there’s not going to be any cruise control or, ‘Hey, we’re mailing this week in or this game.’ It’s like, man, we’re going to kind of hold them to the same standards, build the same way. Now, I do think, strategically, we have to be better about planning, both tactically and physically, for the playoffs.”

Dallas: Anthony Davis will wear protective lenses for the rest of his career after offseason surgery to address a detached retina in his right eye. The injury occurred when he caught an elbow from teammate Daniel Gafford during an Apr. 2 game late last season. Davis didn't return to five-on-five play until late September, and arrived to camp 15 pounds heavier than he was at this time last year. He explained the gain as part of his annual plan to start the season with more weight that he'll shed through the course of the year while also noting that he couldn't do much activity during the offseason. Jason Kidd pushed back against reporting that Kyrie Irving (ACL) is ahead of schedule, saying that he's doing well in his recovery but doesn't want to speed up his timeline. Reports have pointed toward an Irving return sometime between January and March. Gafford will miss 2-3 weeks with a sprained ankle he suffered on the first day of Mavs training camp. 

Denver: Nikola Jokić said he plans to be a Nugget forever despite not agreeing to an extension this offseason. He's eligible for a four-year, $293 million deal next offseason after only being able to sign for $212 million this summer. He joked that he'll need to save Bruce Brown's career again as the Boston native returns to the team he fared best with and helped win a title in 2023. Brown said as soon as he landed in Toronto he became interested in a Denver reunion. This marks David Adelman's first time running a training camp. 

Detroit: JB Bickerstaff said this is the most excited he's been to start an NBA season as newcomers Caris LeVert and Duncan Robinson quickly sensed the togetherness of the returning Pistons. Ron Holland II added 15 pounds in anticipation of playing more power forward into his second NBA season. He has impressed teammates athletically, even surpassing Ausar Thompson, according to Tobias Harris. The Pistons want to build on their emphasis of forcing turnovers and running in transition from their first year together.

Golden State: Signed Al Horford to a two-year, $11.7 million deal with a second-year player option for 2026-27, ending his wait in free agency that lasted up until the first day of free agency. After agreeing to terms with Horford and De'Anthony Melton, both long expected to join the Warriors, Golden State ended the Jonathan Kuminga saga for now by agreeing to a two-year, $48.5 million contract with a second-year team option, a win for the team alongside him waiving his no-trade clause that such a deal would normally include. Shams Charania reported that it's expected that either the Warriors, or the team Kuminga lands with after a trade, will rip up the second season of the deal and negotiate a new one, setting Kuminga up for free agency again next year, only this time unrestricted. He chose that option over a three-year, $75 million construct that offered him less control over his future. Seth Curry also agreed to terms on a one-year contract, uniting him with brother Steph Curry for the first time in their professional careers. Horford said the decision to leave Boston was difficult, and he only would've done so to join the Warriors. He did not consider retirement. Steve Kerr teased a new emphasis from officials, calling the 'high-five' foul.

Houston: Took another injury blow with Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) expected to miss the start of the season after his summer surgery. He has shot, but hasn't received clearance for contact yet. Alongside Fred VanVleet (ACL) and the Jalen Green trade, the absences leave the Rockets relying more on Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard into his second season and their Steven Adams-Alperen Şengün lineup. Ime Udoka admitted that Houston will need to win again by out-grinding opponents. Durant said he plans to sign an extension with the Rockets in his introductory press conference to begin camp. He's in the final year of his deal ($55M) and eligible for two-years, $120 million beyond that. 

"I wasn't expecting to leave Phoenix that quickly, but that's just the nature of the game," Durant said. "So I quickly just thought about who I was comfortable with. ... Ime has always been one of those guys that understood what I brought to the table and my mentality and my approach to the game. He always respected that and gave me my space to be me. So that was one of the first things I thought about."

Indiana: Have used Isaiah Jackson as their starting center in early scrimmage work, while Rick Carlisle cautioned nothing being set in stone. Following Myles Turner's departure to the Bucks, the Pacers have Jackson, returning from Achilles surgery, Jay Huff, Tony Bradley, Obi Toppin and James Wiseman available at center once Wiseman returns from his own Achilles recovery. Carlisle also projected that Andrew Nembhard will carry significantly more responsibility in their current lineup construction with Tyrese Haliburton out. 

Clippers: Kawhi Leonard addressed the Aspiration controversy for the first time on media day, taking several questions about it in a reportedly tight press conference. He dismissed the story as a conspiracy and directed questions about the nature of his endorsement deal with the company to its founders, noting the fraud conviction against one and their bankruptcy. Leonard echoed the Clippers' welcoming of the NBA investigation into them and said they did no wrongdoing. Lawrence Frank also addressed the situation, saying that he, Leonard, 'Uncle' Dennis Robertson and Leonard agent Mitch Frankel all know the NBA salary cap rules. He added that endorsement deals are separate from player contracts and they have no idea what players are paid through them. Pablo Torre's podcast alleged that the Clippers circumvented the salary cap by investing in Aspiration, which paid Leonard for a 'no-show' endorsement contract that he did nothing for. Leonard denied doing nothing for the company, and said he doesn't expect to be impacted by the investigation. Ramona Shelburne said several reporters were denied the microphone at the presser. 

“The company went belly up,” Leonard said. “It was fraud, as everybody knows. If you want any more questions or more details about that company, you need to ask the owner or whoever else is involved in the fraud that went on.”

Lakers: LeBron James will slowly ramp up to begin training camp while Luka Dončić will miss the first two Lakers preseason games after his participation in EuroBasket. James said on media day that entering the year with an expiring contract doesn't bother him at all, and intends to give the team his best despite the uncertainty over his future. He added that he's not awaiting his son Bryce James' arrival to the NBA as he mulls retirement, and said that decision will be dictated by his mental approach and how his body reacts to each coming season. James fell with a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his final game last season before spending the offseason recovering. 

"(My contract) will have no impact," James told ESPN. "I'm super excited about the challenges and the excitement of our team. We added some new guys. We got another year under our belt with our coaching staff from last year. Got a full year with Luka and another year with the guys that I've been with. So super excited about that." 

Memphis: Host the Celtics in the preseason opener on Wednesday without Jaren Jackson Jr., Brandon Clarke and Zach Edey, setting up a smaller matchup where Boston should be able to experiment with larger and smaller lineups. Memphis will likely start some combination of Ja Morant, Ty Jerome, Jaylen Wells, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Santi Aldama and Jock Landale. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo, beginning his first full season, focused on constant offensive movement and pick-and-roll action while maintaining the Grizzlies' recent history of defensive success. Former head coach Taylor Jenkins appeared at Celtics practice this week, and is planning to visit other teams while taking the year off following his firing in Memphis late last season. 

Miami: Signed Nikola Jović to a four-year, $62.4 million extension after emerging with 10.7 PPG last year and shooting 37% from three through his first three NBA seasons. The Heat continue to deal with injuries at training camp, Davion Mitchell sitting out their first practices with calf soreness after Tyler Herro underwent foot surgery that'll knock him out of the start of the year. Pelle Larsson (quad), Terry Rozier (hamstring) and Kasparas Jakučionis (wrist) are also expected to miss the Heat's preseason game in Puerto Rico. 

Milwaukee: Giannis Antetokounmpo started training camp late this weekend after testing positive for COVID in Greece, and would fly in on Friday ahead of the Bucks' preseason opener on Monday. Doc Rivers raved about how offseason addition Myles Turner will fit next to Antetokounmpo, while the big man reflected on receiving an opportunity he couldn't turn down and embracing change after starting his entire career with the rival Pacers. Meanwhile, Jon Horst stressed the strength of the Bucks and Antetokounmpo's relationship and that they never resorted to speculation while there was seemingly uncertainty over his future in Milwaukee this summer. 

"I’m in a city now that wants to celebrate me," Turner said. "There’s a great quote that says, ‘Go where you’re celebrated.’ And I feel that’s here.”

Minnesota: Anthony Edwards said he wants to win MVP and a championship this season after consecutive trips to the west finals where the Wolves fell short. Julius Randle said he feels settled in Minnesota after signing a new contract this offseason while Mike Conley begins this year healthier than he did one season ago. 

New Orleans: Skinny Zion Williamson scored 15 points in 15 minutes during his preseason debut on 5-for-8 shooting against Melbourne United. Former Celtic Aron Baynes called the game. Rookie Jeremiah Fears shot 3-for-15 in his first NBA appearance. Former Celtic Jaden Springer did not play. 

New York: Josh Hart suffered a back injury scare while taking the ball up in the Knicks' preseason opener against the 76ers in Abu Dhabi. Officials ejected him from the game once he reacted to the play, and the Knicks confirmed he could've returned if not for the ejection. Mitchell Robinson started alongside Pacôme Dadiet with OG Anunoby (hand) out. Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 18 points and 21 rebounds in 18 minutes. The Knicks shot more threes in the win, and Brian Windhorst compared their offensive approach through camp under Mike Brown to the 2010 Spurs. Malcolm Brogdon didn't enter the game until midway through the third quarter and shot 1-for-3 in his debut. 

“(Robinson) was phenomenal,” Brown said. “Played 18 minutes, had 16 rebounds — 11 of them defensively — but more importantly for a big, he had three deflections. So Mitch, good job. I’ll get a plaque for you, Mitch. He was the player of the game for us.”

Oklahoma City: The NYTimes and ESPN documented the impact of the Thunder's championship on the Oklahoma City community, including how the Thunder built an identity to finally secure their first title after coming close so many times in the past and their continued honoring of the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 on its 30-year anniversary. Jalen Williams (wrist) could miss the start of the season after offseason surgery, Sam Presti suggested this week, saying they'll see where he's at after training camp.

Philadelphia: Joel Embiid, Paul George and Jared McCain sat out the team's preseason opener as expected, leaving a sluggish offensive unit scoring 84 points in their preseason opening loss in Abu Dhabi. The Sixers shot 34.6% from the field and 8.6% from three, with only Tyrese Maxey, rookie VJ Edgecombe and Kennedy Chandler reaching double-figures. Quentin Grimes also missed the loss after signing his one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer to return to Philadelphia and test unrestricted free agency next summer. He'll carry a no-trade clause through this season as a result. He averaged 14.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG and 3.0 APG between Dallas and Philadelphia last year. 

Phoenix: Devin Booker could have a massive statistical season as things are set up in Phoenix. He scored 24 points in 25 minutes in the preseason opener, and reflected at camp on leading the franchise into the future after they moved on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, with some inspiration from Steve Nash. Nash joined Phoenix as a senior adviser.

"I have unfinished business here,” Booker said. “I know how much it would mean to this city and this organization. That’s my job as a leader. It’s my responsibility (as) a franchise player.”

Portland: Yang Hansen is progressing well through training camp, Chauncey Billups said, with enough offensive feel to succeed on that end alongside his longer learning curve on defense. Hansen could emerge as a contributor quickly despite his youth and rawness with playmaker Scoot Henderson out and Robert Williams III (knee), who still hasn't received clearance for contact to begin training camp after surgery in March. Jerami Grant didn't sound willing to come off the bench at media day, but expressed more flexibility later in the week while asserting his desire to compete for a starting job. Jrue Holiday said he's ready to go physically after health concerns altered his trade from Boston, with the Blazers not sending two second-rounders back as first reported, and that he still has it at 35, expecting Portland to emerge as one of the league's best defenses with their talent.

“I still got it. I can defend, I can score, and building something here, creating a winning culture, is very important to me,” Holiday said.

San Antonio: De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) believes he'll miss the start of the 2025-26 season as the Spurs progress carefully with his recovery and aim to get him back for the start of November. He reportedly suffered the injury after an offseason workout. Fox missed the end of March and all of April following his arrival in February with a finger ailment. In his absence, the Spurs will rely on Dylan Harper, who's coming back from his own finger injury, and Stephon Castle in Fox' absence. San Antonio can also play multiple bigs more often after acquiring Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk. Kornet credited the Celtics organization for his growth to begin his first training camp with the Spurs. 

“Obviously an incredible experience, and being able to share it with the team and the Celtics organization,” Kornet said. “Especially the couple years that we had of contending for it and falling short, and then to finally be able to do it. ... It just takes kind of everybody just really daily working and committing to just doing their role and competing at the highest level. There’s not really any kind of cheat code. It’s just very disciplined.”

“I was fortunate enough to play with (Kristaps) Porzingis and (Al) Horford last year. So to be able to have some experience with that. I think having two rim protectors can give you a lot of versatility to make things hard for the other team. Should be a fun time trying to figure it out offensively.”

Toronto: Scottie Barnes shed a left thumb wrap he sported at the start of training camp for the Raptors' scrimmage in Calgary on Friday. Toronto expects to play deeper into its rotation this season, Darko Rajakovic said, despite the Raptors appearing top-heavy between starters Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Barnes and Jakob Poeltl. Ingram, who's about to play for the first time with Toronto since sitting out the end of last season with an ankle injury upon arrival, reflected on where he and the team are at.

Washington: NBA champion Khris Middleton is beginning a new chapter in Washington with the Wizards as a veteran mentor after several injury-riddled seasons with Milwaukee. 

"That’s what I love about this group. They’re all young. They’re all learning," he said. "I just want to help guide them on their way. I don’t want to necessarily overstep and try to be the ‘super vet.’ I want to give them room and a path to let them grow and find their own journey, like my own vets did with me.”