This encapsulation, Torrey Craig‘s Celtics Debut: Defensive Dynamo Ignites Boston’s Bench, is pulled with permission from this video by Nik Land.
Acquired recently by the Celtics, Torrey Craig saw his first action against the San Antonio Spurs. While he only played eight minutes, primarily in the second quarter, there are some noteworthy takeaways from his performance that are worth dissecting.
Torrey Craig: Defensive Skill and Versatility
One of the things that became apparent early in Craig’s career with the Bulls, despite his limited appearances, was his defensive prowess. Although the Chicago Bulls were not overflowing with great defenders, Craig stood out significantly. His ranking in matchup difficulty and the high usage rate of players he guarded emphasized his capability to take on the league’s best.
Craig demonstrated his versatility against the Spurs, effectively guarding potent players like Stefon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. His ability to switch between guarding high-caliber opponents is a valuable asset, especially against bigger wing players if Celtics’ mainstays like Tatum are off the floor. Craig’s athleticism and energetic presence off the bench can be a game-changer for Boston.
Physical Presence and Game Impact
Craig’s athleticism was on full display, and it’s his physicality that stood out to fans. Embodying a wrecking ball of energy, he consistently challenged opponents. Against Stefon Castle, for example, Craig’s fierce denial of the inbound pass and his tenacity in transition defense highlighted his aggressive playstyle, contributing to turnovers that favored the Celtics.
Craig’s defensive strategy also showed his ability to understand and implement game plans. Instead of outright guarding Stefon Castle, known for his driving rather than shooting, Craig encouraged outside shooting. This adaptation paid off with Castle missing key three-pointers during the game.
Shooting Prowess
In previous reviews, Craig’s shooting aptitude while with the Chicago Bulls was notable. Despite a small sample size of nine games, Craig shot an impressive 43% from three-point range. His consistency over the last two seasons reinforces that this performance isn’t an anomaly. Celtics fans can expect Craig to continue similarly in Boston.
Joining a team that emphasizes three-point shooting, Craig complements this approach perfectly. 78% of Craig’s shot attempts are from beyond the arc, in line with the Celtics’ bench strategy. In particular, he showed synergy with Jason Tatum, catching a pass under heavy double-team pressure and setting up a successful assist to his teammates. Craig fits seamlessly into this fast-paced, perimeter-oriented offense.
Conclusion
All in all, Torrey Craig has shown that he can be a significant contributor to the Boston Celtics, both defensively and offensively. His ability to guard high-usage players, combined with his efficient three-point shooting, makes him a valuable addition to the team.
