The CSL 2034 season is underway and the Boston Celtics have opened the year with a 3–3 record that reflects both potential and severe growing pains. Boston struck early with strong wins over Denver and Brooklyn, leaning on steady play from De’Aaron Fox and an explosive start from Olivier Sarr. Those victories showcased a balanced attack and encouraging chemistry for a roster that had only returned one guy (Fox) from the previous season, but the team quickly slipped into a three game losing streak with defeats to Dallas, Chicago, and San Antonio. Cold shooting, defensive breakdowns, and inconsistent ball movement defined that skid. The Celtics then responded with arguably their best outing so far in a 119–107 win in Cleveland.
Across the first week of games, the biggest storyline has been the surprising emergence of Olivier Sarr. Acquired in the offseason trade that sent Miles Bridges out of Boston, Sarr came in expected to be a capable rotation piece, but he has opened the year as the team’s most consistent scorer. Averaging 17.7 points per game on impressive efficiency while also providing some activity on the glass, Sarr has quickly become one of the most reliable presences in the frontcourt. Off the bench, Kai Sotto has also been a dependable source of interior scoring, contributing 15.3 points per game with strong finishing inside. Princepal Singh, meanwhile, continues to offer the steady production he is known for, averaging 14.3 points and 7.5 rebounds while giving Boston reliable minutes at power forward. At point guard, De’Aaron Fox continues to guide the offense, averaging 13.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.2 steals while providing leadership on both ends.
The Celtics’ two first round rookies, Dillon Jones and Damion Baugh, have already carved out meaningful roles. Jones has started every game on the wing and has quickly shown his value as one of the most versatile players on the roster. His 8.3 points should improve as he gets more comfortable at the pro level but his 8.8 rebounds per game speak to his activity level and toughness already. Also, his defensive versatility has made him an easy early fixture in the rotation. Baugh, meanwhile, has stepped in as the primary playmaker off the bench. While his scoring is still developing, his passing instincts have been evident, as he leads the team with 6 assists per game and brings energy as a downhill creator.
Both rookies are also undergoing targeted developmental training as the Celtics work to sharpen their long term skillsets. For Dillon Jones, the coaching staff is moving him away from perimeter-oriented tendencies and toward a more physical, interior-focused offensive style. They are working with him to improve his post positioning rather than standing outside the arc, signaling an emphasis on using his strength and size to create advantages inside. His drive and pass tendency has been reduced slightly in favor of more post up shot creation. The vision is to shape Jones into a wing who can punish mismatches, operate from the post, and generate high efficiency opportunities rather than relying on spot up shooting.
Damion Baugh’s development is centered on refining his decision making as a downhill slasher. The coaching staff is drilling it into his head that his pull up shooting tendencies need to reduce, with more of an emphasis on increased driving and passing. They hope this encourages him to pressure the rim and create for teammates rather than settling for off the dribble jumpers. Both rookies are being shaped into versatile contributors who fit the Celtics’ early season identity of interior pressure and smart playmaking.
The rest of the rotation remains in flux. Dexter Dennis has held the starting shooting guard spot for most of the early season, but his minutes remain modest as the staff searches for more consistent scoring in the backcourt. Kevin Porter Jr. is averaging 12.7 points per game but continues to battle inconsistent shooting. Georgios Tsalmpouris offers floor spacing and 10.2 points per game, though his efficiency still fluctuates. Max Christie, meanwhile, has rarely seen the floor but has made a negative impact on both ends in the limited sample.
Boston is averaging 101.5 points per game while shooting 42.5 percent from the field and 31.5 percent from deep, signaling a heavy reliance on interior scoring and inconsistent perimeter production. This isn't a huge surprise with the team moving to a post-centric and grindy type of style, but the hopes were to be a little better from the outside. Defensively, the team rebounds well at 46 per game and forces turnovers at a solid rate, but allowing over 105 points per game indicates that defensive cohesion is still developing. Turnovers also remain another concern, with the team averaging 14 per game.
Despite the uneven start, the Celtics have what they think is a promising foundation. Sarr’s early season surge has given the team a surprising source of offense, Singh remains a steady presence, Fox keeps the group organized, and the rookie duo of Jones and Baugh continues to grow with purpose. Through six games, the Celtics have shown inconsistencies but also the structure of a team capable of meaningful improvement as chemistry continues to build.
