WASHINGTON — The Celtics’ ceremony at the White House Thursday also presented an opportunity for a reunion.
Forward Oshae Brissett, who is no longer on the roster, joined the team and received his championship ring as well.
“He’s one of my favorite guys I was able to coach. Just his personality, his character, who he is,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He’s a great teammate, so it was great to be able to see him, spend some time with him. I just hope it works out for him.”
Brissett appeared in 55 regular-season games for the Celtics last season and averaged 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds. This past summer he declined his $2.5 million player option with the team in order to pursue a larger role elsewhere, but he was never signed and he remains a free agent.
”It was great to see Oshae. That’s my guy,” Celtics forward Jaylen Brown said. “Looking forward to seeing him on a team soon, but definitely good to have him a part of that group.
“That group we had was special last year, so anytime we get to celebrate each other and what we accomplished, I’m all for it.”
Team sale update
Celtics lead owner Wyc Grousbeck declined to go into detail about the status of the franchise’s looming sale Thursday. But he made it clear that the process is moving forward with multiple potential suitors.
“There’s a lot of interest,” Grousbeck said. “That is one comment.”
There is no definitive timeline, but a league source said it is possible that a buyer could be chosen in December. Sen. Ed Markey said following Thursday’s ceremony that he is confident the Celtics will find a suitable steward for the franchise.
“I know Wyc will do his best to make sure that the legacy continues to the next generation,” Markey said.
Prez loves analytics
During his speech at the Celtics’ celebration, President Joe Biden gave a nod to the basketball analytics world when he pointed out that the Celtics set an NBA record for points per possession last season.
Mazzulla, whose coaching is often driven by analytics, was asked about Biden’s support.
“I mean, we were also good defensively last year, too,” he said, smiling.
So why didn’t he point that out to the president?
“It wasn’t the time or the place, I guess,” Mazzulla said.
Back to Cup group play
Friday’s game against Washington was Boston’s third NBA Cup group-play matchup. It entered the night 1-1, with a group play game remaining against the Bulls next Friday.
“Anything to try to increase the viewership is the goal for the NBA and the NBPA,” Brown said. “So we had to do something, so this was the start of that journey.
“I think we’ll get some better feedback after this year. Still early, only two years in. But we’ll still adjust.”
Sick day for Big Al
Celtics forward Al Horford missed Friday’s game due to an illness, and Neemias Queta started in his place . . . Kristaps Porzingis remains sidelined following offseason ankle surgery, but he is expected to begin practicing with the team soon.
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.
Source: politics.einnews.com…
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