No Captains Yet for Celtics; Robert Williams Returns to Practice

We are just days away from the start of the NBA season and the Celtics have yet to name their Captains. Two weeks ago head coach Ime Udoka said that the team would likely name two captains. The four names expected to be in contention were Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford. Udoka addressed to matter at practice on Sunday.

“The guys that have been here, we want them all to lead by example as well as be vocal and grow in that area,” Udoka said. “So I talked about that with Jaylen and Jayson before. Taking another step in their progression as players who have been here and some of the main guys on the team, to be more vocal, but not just talk the talk, we want them to walk it on the court.”

Horford and Brown are both out with Covid and Smart was recently suspended for a game by the team for missing a flight.

That leaves Tatum, who when asked about it on Sunday didn’t seem to care much either way.

“I don’t think it’s gonna change anything. If I’m a captain or if I’m not, it’s not like I’m gonna speak up anymore or less. I think everybody still gonna be themselves. We all respect each other and our opinions.”

Other practice new and notes..

• Center Robert Williams returned to practice after missing the preseason finale with knee tendinopathy (jumpers knee).
• Payton Pritchard plans to play in the season opener Wednesday in New York despite having a broken nose.
• There is no timetable for Jaylen Brown’s return to action meaning it’s almost certain he misses Wednesday’s game against the Knicks.

Bobby Manning of The Garden Report reacts to the day’s news.

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