Inside The Celtics

Oshae Brissett Makes Decision on Player Option with Celtics

Bobby Krivitsky

Mar 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics forward Oshae Brissett (12) attempts a dunk past Atlanta Hawks forward Bruno Fernando (24) and guard Vit Krejci (27) in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Celtics forward Oshae Brissett (12) attempts a dunk past Atlanta Hawks forward Bruno Fernando (24) and guard Vit Krejci (27) in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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Oshae Brissett consistently stepped up when called upon this season. That includes Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers.

With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined and Luke Kornet exiting the contest in the first quarter, Joe Mazzulla turned to Brissett in the second frame. As a part of a small-ball lineup, the former Syracuse star helped the hosts stage a 20-0 run.

His energy, defense, rebounding, and impact running the floor in transition then helped Boston go on a 7-0 burst to take a 13-point advantage into the last 12 minutes, where the Celtics pulled away for a 126-110 victory.

As a valuable member of the team's "Stay Ready Group," he quickly contributed to his new team, with Jayson Tatum stating, "He changed the game" in Boston's 119-111 win over the Heat in its home opener.

Now, the six-foot-seven forward will seek more of an opportunity elsewhere and potentially a larger payday. According to Keith Smith of Spotrac, Brissett is declining his $2.5 million player option with the Celtics.

The fifth-year wing averaged 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds while logging 11.5 minutes per game in 55 regular season appearances in the 2023-24 campaign.

As for how the franchise he helped raise Banner 18 to the TD Garden rafters will fill his role, those options include a veteran or a rookie who isn't currently on the roster. Internally, a highly productive offseason for Jordan Walsh could vault him into pole position.

Given Boston's exorbitant payroll, allowing the 20-year-old to play through his growing pains in a job of this nature could have meaningful long-term benefits.

Barring Walsh getting traded, regardless of what route the Celtics go, he'll be among those competing for the chance to earn minutes left behind by Brissett.

Further Reading

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion Entering Peak of His Powers

Jaylen Brown Caps Career Year with NBA Finals MVP: 'Can't Even Put it into Words'

Tatum and Brown Reach NBA Summit, Lead Celtics to Banner 18

Dependable Xavier Tillman Discusses Learning to 'Be a Star in Your Own Role'

Celtics Detail Keys to Perhaps Their Best Quarter This Postseason

Sports Doctor Details Challenges, Risks of Kristaps Porzingis Playing in NBA Finals

Jrue Holiday's 'Championship DNA' Rubbing Off on Celtics

Inside the Moment that Propelled Celtics to NBA Finals Game 1 Win

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Bobby Krivitsky

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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