The Read and React: overreactions from Preseason Game One against Charlotte

Simon Pollock: Can I get an amen for our new german big man, Daniel Theis? At first blush, it looks like the C's found themselves a major upgrade over the Olynyk/Jerebko combination.

Deep in the third quarter of tonight's game, the 6'9" forward came into a lineup that was three parts rookie, two parts second year vet. And boy did he impress.

He led the team with 12 points and seven rebounds, diving to the rim off of a great pass from Shane Larkin, draining a three just a shade faster than Amir Johnson could, and cleaning up against some of Charlotte's starters on the boards.

Best of all, Theis took it to the hole off the dribble, smoother than just about any Kelly Olynyk drive I've ever seen. I'm all in.

flcelticsfan: I'm also on the Theis Bandwagon. He impressed me tonight.

Greg Cassoli: The Celtics deep bench looks like it is going to be fascinating this year. All of the team's younger players showed at least one flash of intriguing talent against Charlotte, but the "veteran" types (Larkin, Theis), are clearly better equipped to play NBA basketball right now.

Brad Stevens is going to have to find the right balance of getting minutes for Yabusele, Ojeleye, Rozier- even Tatum- while simultaneously understanding that his other options probably give him a better chance of winning games in the present. Such is the privilege of having a lot of young pieces with significant upside. It should be fun to watch.

wjsy: The buzz words are "triple threat." And "speed." OK, one more: "depth." What struck me about the Celtics last night is that 1 through 15, every guy can put it on the floor, shoot from the outside, and make the right pass. They were so aggressive at attacking gaps in the defense and looking for the open shot. Defensively, their ability to close out and switch so quickly on the perimeter was impressive and they're only going to get better as the young guys get up to speed.

Also, ABDEL NADER HYPE TRAIN. Toot, toot.

drewdoxy: Time to wildly overreact. Marcus Smart is gonna be First Team All-Defense while simultaneously gaining serious consideration for Most Improved Player of the Year. Smart’s additional shooting range opens up his offensive game in ways that will serve both him and the team big time. If putting Smart in the corner to knock down corner threes continues to be a reliable offensive option this year, personal and team success will follow.

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Smart cracking 40% from three this year would be a massive jump for him, and considering how many attempts he takes, it would be accompanied with stats good enough to put him in the starting lineup and to receive national recognition. I’m all the way here for Contract Year Marcus Smart.