As we make our way through summer league and the offseason, it’s always interesting to see what players are doing to get ready for the next season. Many top athletes take little time off between seasons, whereas others enjoy some downtime, travel, maybe have some fun. The Celtics have a very important season on the horizon. In anticipation of the healthy return of Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, this will be their first real time playing together. Combine that with rapidly progressing young talent, and we should be in for a treat. However, team chemistry can take effort, so let’s see what the Celtics top 5 are doing to prepare.

First up, Kyrie Irving

As many NBA fans already know, Kyrie spent the second half of last season on the bench after getting the necessary surgery on his knee to clean it up. Recently, Kyrie said “It was a long rigorous practice trying to get that infection out, make sure I was safe and then rehabbing from there,” he said. “I’ve been rehabbing for the last month and some change where I actually can do something without much restriction.”

"Nothing but excited to lead that group. I mean, we haven't started yet, so everyone is zero-zero right now. ... The most important thing right now is finding our cohesion," Irving said.

Gordon Hayward

After Gordon’s devastating ankle injury 5 minutes into the first game last year, he has been focused on rehabbing the ankle and being 100% ready to go for this season. Though the injury took him off the court, it did not slow him down integrating with his new Boston team. He has been a leader all year from the bench, and has said he has appreciation for the time he has spent studying and mentally progressing in a way he hasn’t been able to do while on the court.

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is a work horse. Since he was 8 years old, the kid has never stopped training and perfecting his craft. From early morning workouts daily before school, to endless shooting afterwards, he is committed to being the best. Jayson has been crushing the offseason to improve, and recently was spotted in a 1 on 1 session with his idol Kobe Bryant, Black Mamba. They have both said they highly admire one another, and it must be pretty incredible for Jayson to take notes from a legend.

Jaylen Brown

Jaylen is a strong young talent with speed, springs, and an appetite to be great. Throughout the offseason he’s been working hard, but also getting some travel overseas in. While overseas, you can find Jaylen in pickup games, or martial arts training. Recently, Jaylen was in Jakarta for the Jr. NBA Indonesia Training Camp and showcasing some new moves. After working out with local junior players, he was assisting with youth practice drills, and spending time with the locals.

Last but not least, Al Horford

Al Horford, our big man veteran. More than his stat lines, Al is a leader, a mentor, and a motivator on and off the court. This offseason Al has spent some time mentoring rookie Robert Williams, and spending time with his family. A couple weeks ago, Al and his wife Amelia Vega welcomed their 3rd child. Needless to say, home is where his focus is this summer, and we look forward to seeing him back on the court soon!

As with all NBA teams this time of year, a lot of exciting stuff going on. Young players out grinding in summer leagues trying to earn their bones, veterans helping young talent along, and everyone getting in some rest before training camp fires up.

As I’ve said many times before, my excitement level for this season is on the rise day by day. I can’t wait to see this Celtics team take shape with a healthy roster. We are in for a great East vs. West season.

Gordon Hayward showing off some moves in a recent video. That ankle is looking strong, and the moves stronger!

NBA / summer

Celtics 5 – Where you at?

Celtics 5 – Where you at?

Celtics 5 – Where you at?