Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 210 lbs., Brissett averaged 6.1 points, and 3.4 rebounds with Indiana last season.
If you were among the many fans of the Boston Celtics who had to do a Google search to learn a bit about new Celtics forward Oshae Brissett after the Celtics elected to sign the former Indiana Pacers swingman as the first move of the NBA’s 2023 free agency period, you are not alone.
But the 25-year-old combo forward should be a solid depth addition for Boston whether or not restricted free agent Grant Williams moves on to another team or not. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 210 lbs., Brissett averaged 6.1 points, and 3.4 rebounds while shooting career averages of 41.2% from the floor, 34.4% from 3, and 71.9% from the line.
To see how he plays for yourself, check out the clip put together by fan-favorite Celtics videographer Tomasz Kordylewski embedded below from his official YouTube channel.
Who is Brissett as a player and as a person? What does he bring to the team on both ends of the court? And how will he be used by the Celtics in their 2023-24 campaign?
The Boston Celtics‘ first big move of the NBA’s 2023 free agency period was to sign unrestricted free agent Oshea Brissett to a two-year, veteran minimum deal with a player option on the contract’s second season. Who is Brissett as a player and as a person? What does he bring to the team on both ends of the court? And how will he be used by the Celtics in their 2023-24 campaign?
CLNS Media’s Bobby Manning reacted to the breaking news regarding Oshae Brissett signing a two-year deal with the Celtics as it happened. Brissett is a 25-year-old Canadian wing, who played on the Indiana Pacers last season averaging 6.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in just 16.7 minutes per game, hinting that he might be able to take on a bigger role.
Manning discussed Brissett’s potential role with the Celtics, highlighted his athletic and versatile style of play, and examined the strategic implications of the player option in the second year of the contract.
Check out the clip embedded above to get up to speed on Boston’s newest player.
Brissett had a career-high 27 points fueled by six 3-pointers in a game against the Celtics.
The Boston Celtics have signed former Indiana Pacers forward Oshae Brissett to a two-year, veteran’s minimum contract with a player option on the second year, adding some much-needed wing depth to their roster for the team’s 2023-24 campaign. Brissett, a 6-foot-7 forward able to play at both the 3 and 4 positions, has played for the Pacers and the Toronto Raptors previously at the NBA level and before that for the Syracuse Orangemen at the NCAA level.
Ironically, Brissett had a career-high 27 points fueled by six 3-pointers in a game against the Celtics. Brissett’s shooting and, in particular, defensive abilities will be valuable for the team as an option to spell star Boston wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown during the regular season while also providing some insurance for the ball club in case they lose reserve forward Grant Williams in free agency.
To learn more about what Brissett brings to Boston, take a look at the clip embedded below put together by the folks behind the “How ‘Bout Them Celtics” podcast.
The Boston Celtics have made their first signing of the NBA’s 2023 free agency period. It may not be a blockbuster, but the move addresses the Celtics’ lack of depth on the wing.
According to reporting from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “forward Oshae Brissett has agreed to a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics.”
Brissett is a 25-year-old, 6-foot-7 forward who plays at both the 3 and 4. His signing perhaps signals the team is moving on from restricted free agent reserve forward Grant Williams. The former Syracuse standout is a career 34.4% shot from deep and averaged 6.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game with the Indiana Pacers last season.
Per Woj, Brisset will have a player option on the second year of his deal.
While it isn’t a specific goal for NCAA Tournament-bound teams to play in the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, eight of them must do so. Ever since the tournament competition in Dayton expanded to four games from one in 2011, teams from power conferences have had to earn the right to play in the Round of 64. After all, it would be completely unfair if only mid-majors and No. 16 seeds, which are pretty much the same thing anyway, were assigned to these games.
Notre Dame is about to make its first appearance in the First Four against Rutgers. but it will be the fifth time an ACC program has traveled to Dayton to determine its tournament fate. Historically, these games have worked out very well for the conference, and the Irish will hope to expand on that reputation. Here are the four other times the ACC has been represented in the initial round of tournament games:
Marquette Golden Eagles star guard Markus Howard was the overall leading scorer in college basketball last season. Now, he looks to the NBA.
Marquette Golden Eagles star guard Markus Howard was the overall leading scorer in college basketball last season. Now, he looks to the NBA.
Howard is the next in the lineage of Marquette greats to enter the pros, following the likes of Jimmy Butler and Jae Crowder and Wesley Matthews. The guard played his entire senior campaign at 20 years old, so even though he had four years of experience in the NCAA, he still has plenty of time to develop.
He spoke to USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s Rookie Wire about getting better because he played with his older brothers, why he started Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at Marquette — and plenty more.
Please note this interview was very minorly edited for brevity and clarity.
I imagine you’re getting a lot of NBA interest right now, a lot of NBA interviews. What’s the one thing you really want them to know about you?
MH: I want them to know the type of person I am and what I bring to the table. I think my basketball talent speaks for itself. I think the four years I had, in terms of productivity and continually getting better each year, I do that better than anybody else in this draft class. If they really do their homework, they will see that. But at the end of the day, it’s about a team having the right fit with you and having the right connection. I think the things that I did in college can translate to the NBA. I’m really hoping that teams see that as well. I think that I’ll have success at the next level based on the type of player I am and what I bring to the table. I’m hoping that teams feel the same way about me and have belief in me and have trust in me and in my abilities.
When you look back at your time at Marquette, what are some of the things that you’re going to remember, that you’ll think about right away?
Markus Howard: There are a lot of things I’ll think about. I look back on my time with the people I was around, the people I had the opportunity to come in contact with and the relationships I’ve built over time. I think about the growth I’ve had over four years being in a place like Marquette. On the basketball side of things, it was tremendous and it was a great experience. But I take the full experience of being a college student-athlete into account. The people that I was around every day, who helped mold me and shaped me into the person and player I am today, had a big part of why I chose to go to Marquette. I think back to the people who, along the way, have helped me and who have been like family to me. Those are the things I think about when I look back at my time.
You’re still pretty young, playing your entire senior year at just 20 years old. That means you had to start college when you very young. What was that like, starting college when you did?
MH: My experience of going to college was very unique because I was extremely young. I was 17 years old during my entire freshman year. I graduated high school a year early and went right to college. It was definitely a transition. I went through it on my own and had to figure out a lot of things on my own. I think my freshman year, that was the biggest growth I had. I had to experience and deal with so much at the time. I was in a new role in a transition going from high school to college. It was definitely tough, but I think looking back on it now, those are the times I was most grateful for because I was able to really find myself and find out who I wanted to be as a person in those tough times. My freshman year, really early in my career, was extremely hard. But it helped shape me so I’m always grateful for that.
Because you are younger than other seniors, I’m curious about some ways you think you might still be able to add things to your game.
MH: I think for me personally, in my game, I’m far from a finished product. I think my best basketball is still ahead of me. Basketball is a game that’s always evolving. I can always learn and get better. I’m nowhere near where I’m going to be down the road. That’s something that’s exciting for me as a player and something that I’m looking forward to, just getting better at the next level, being around high-level talent each and every day. I know when I’m surrounded by an atmosphere that requires a high level of intensity, attention to detail, and skill, that’s when the best things of my game will be shown. That’s just something I’m looking forward to at the next level. All aspects of the game, I can continue to get better at, so those are areas that I’m going to focus on at the next level.
I would love to hear a little bit about your comfort in the pick and roll as you head into your professional career.
MH: Being my size, pick and roll was extremely huge for me and our team. I’ve gotten better at each and every year. I know that at the next level, PnR is going to be used a lot. So having that in my toolbox and already in the back of my mind is something that I know will benefit me. I also think that playing with the great upgrade of talent around me will lift my game to the next level. Just to be able to have different options to create off a ball screen, and with the space that the game offers at the next level, that is something that I’ll really be looking forward to. There were times when I would have three or four guys, maybe even the whole team, keyed in on me. So to be able to be in a role where I probably won’t be the number one option on a team’s defensive scout will make it easier for me to work within a ball screen situation. I’m looking forward to attacking and being able to play with guys around me who will help the best of my game be shown.
I know you’re very efficient in transition as well. The NBA is going to be a lot faster. How do you think you’ll do in a more fast-paced offense?
MH: That’s the way I like to play offensively. I like to play fast. I like to play up-tempo, which is the trend the league is going in as well. It’s all going to be about being in the right situation. I thrive in transition, being able to shoot from far distances. I use my speed and acceleration. I think it’s going to all be about me in the right fit, the right system, adjusting to that speed of the NBA. I know when those things come together, I’ll be very successful. I definitely think I thrive in transition.
Even though you had one of the highest usage rates in college basketball, you were fantastic shooting off the catch as well. If you play more off-ball in the beginning of your career, how will you be able to make an impact?
A scouting note: Markus Howard might be the best shooter (catch and off dribble) I ever scouted (15 years). Shooting 55% from 3 this year.
MH: A lot of what I was able to do over my four years at Marquette was based on the role that my coach needed from me. When I started my college career, I was more of a role player. I was a guy that could create off the dribble, but primarily, I was a catch and shoot threat. I took a lot of pride in that. Whatever the coach needed me to do, I was going to do that to the best of my ability. I think whatever role I’m placed in, I’m going to attack it head-on and try to give it my best effort. I’m able to play on the ball or off the ball. I’ve had experience in both. That’s what makes me unique as a player. I’m very multifaceted. I’m not subject to one position. The way that the NBA is going now, smaller guards are making a big impact. I think that’s something that can be really unique and eye-opening to teams. I can do a lot of different things, even without having the ball in my hands. I can work off the ball. It could definitely be something that a team could use in the right way.
I thought you were especially incredible when shooting from dribble handoffs. What are some other ways you can be used off the ball?
MH: Being around veteran knowledge, especially bigs who have been established in the league, I can learn from the different coverages defensively as well as how they work within pick-and-roll sets. Being able to be around NBA bigs, I can start to read them on the fly. They can read me on the fly. I know the attention to detail that those individuals have is next-level. That is something I’m really looking forward to being a part of in the NBA. It is very important for every guard to have a great relationship with a big.
How would you describe your playmaking ability?
Markus Howard is the best scorer in the country, but his development as a playmaker recently has been evident. He's trusting his teammates more and dishing when he doesn't have a good look. His growth in that area is a big reason why Marquette has been playing so well lately.
MH: A lot of what I did offensively was overshadowed by the scoring I did. I’m a very underrated passer and creator for others. I think there are a lot of times, especially throughout my career, where I made great plays not only for myself but for others. That can get overshadowed with the high scoring numbers. I know at the next level, with my role being limited, I’m prepared to be a playmaker. I know that with the opportunities I’ll be given, I’ll need to use those to the best of my abilities to be sure I’m making the right play whether that is for myself or for others. I feel very confident in the fact with the way I’m able to get into the teeth of the defense, create off the dribble, be able to create for guys. I feel very confident in the ability I have, as well as being able to play with high-level talent in the NBA. It’s going to bring out the best of my gam. I have no doubt in my mind that I’ll be successful at being able to create not only for myself but for others at the next level.
What are some ways you think you’re able to overcome your height to be so effective?
MH: It’s just me not being afraid of anything. As a basketball player, I’m extremely confident in my abilities and how hard I work. When you have that, you shouldn’t really fear anything. It doesn’t matter my size. You continue to fight, continue to compete. That’s something I pride myself on and that’s always been a key part of the success I’ve had. I am just able to compete, no matter who it’s against.
You’re one of the most impressive scoring guards we have seen in college. How did you become such an elite finisher?
MH: A lot of it has to do with being the youngest of three boys. I have two older brothers, they are three and five years older than I am. I’ve been playing with them since I was young. I always had to fight for everything. I always played with them, too, I never played my age group when I played travel and AAU and things like that. So, playing against older competition from the time I was young, I played three and five years up. Just to have that from a young age, I was always advanced and I always excelled. It’s because I had to keep up. That was always something that as a player I could use to my advantage. I kept going higher in the ranks and going from high school to college, it was kind of the same thing. Playing at a high level, playing against players that really challenged me, that’s something that I’ve taken to my advantage ever since I was younger. Playing against and competing with my brothers on a daily basis, that lit a fire in me as a competitor. That’s just something that I use from a mindset standpoint every time I step on the court. A lot of that stems from having two older brothers and always having to fight for everything in my household.
Do you think that helped you become such a good one-on-one scorer in isolation as well?
MH: I tried to be as creative as I could in a tight space. That’s something we would always lock in and focus on. Our backyard, growing up, wasn’t always the biggest. We didn’t have a lot of space like a normal court. You had to make the most with the most room you had. So I was always trying to be as creative as I could to try and get my shot off or try to create space. That’s something that I really value. Especially with my size, I had to make sure that was a big point of emphasis in my game, trying to be able to create with the abilities that I have. That’s something I attribute to when I was younger, always playing against my brothers, doing a little extra just because they were bigger and stronger and faster than I am. I had to make up for that.
How do you think that experience will help shape you as a younger NBA player coming into the league, playing against bigger and older players right away?
MH: It’s a mindset. I’ve always had the mindset I’ve had, from when I was a freshman until when I was a senior, even when I was one of the best players in the country. I still had that mindset. Each contest, I went out to compete. It didn’t matter who I was going up against, what team, what player, division. In my mind, I was always going against my brothers because those were the toughest battles that I ever faced growing up. Those are the kind of battles that always tested me and helped me grow as a player and as a person, going against them. I’m just going to use that mentality every time I sit on the court. Even at the next level, it doesn’t matter who it’s up against, I’m always going to have that mindset and that competitive fire that I’ve had ever since I was a young kid.
What is it like when you play basketball against your brothers now?
Potential All-American & @MarquetteMBB guard Markus Howard has a regimented offseason workout schedule & trains with his brother Desmond.
MH: It’s a lot of the same: very competitive, very high intensity. But it’s different because they can’t bully me like they used to be able to do. They like to think that they can, but they just can’t anymore. That’s always fun. There are no two people that can make me better than my older brothers. I love to compete and those two bring out the best in me and in my game. I’m very fortunate to have two older brothers to be able to play basketball with and against. The competitions we have to this day are always fun and really intense. I love it.
I love hearing it! What are some of the roles that you can see yourself having in the NBA?
MH: There is only so much I can control. It is really about a team and a coach believing in me and trusting in my abilities. I think whatever a team or coach needs me to do, I’m going to do that to the best of my ability, whether that is having a starring role or whether that is being a scorer off the bench or if that is just being a great locker room guy. Whatever the team needs me to do, I’m going to try to do that to the best of my ability. I know that being in the NBA is a privilege. It is an honor. I’m going to embrace this every day, having this as my job is definitely something that I want.
Are there any player comparisons that you have heard for yourself that you like?
Overheard some of the @utahjazz players at the #mubb game comparing Markus Howard to Kemba Walker… Honestly, not a bad comparison and I could see that panning out if he gets a shot in the NBA
MH: Some I’ve heard are guys like Kemba Walker, Kyle Lowry, Patty Mills, Fred Van Vleet, DJ Augustin. Those are all guys that I’ve watched and who I continue to watch and pattern my game after. Those are some guys who are similar to me and my skill set. Those are the guys I watch the most around the NBA.
When you got your degree from Marquette, what did you end up studying?
MH: I studied digital media and I minored in advertising. I worked with cameras here and there. I liked working in a TV studio broadcasting environment. Down the road, sports broadcasting could be something that I would like to do. I’ve learned a lot about the advertising and marketing side of things, too. Especially in sports, that is very important. I try to use the things I learned in school now that I’m a professional. I try to entangle those things in my daily life. I’m extremely fortunate and grateful to have had a great four years academically and educationally at Marquette. I was able to learn from a lot of great people. Hopefully, I can use those in my professional career as well.
What advice would you give to DJ Carton and other players that are entering the Marquette program next year?
MH: I’ve told them on countless occasions, and I would continue to tell them, that they made the right decision. Be more than a basketball player. Enjoy the entire experience of being a student-athlete at Marquette. It is truly a special place. Be more than the game. I have such deep ties to and such an appreciation for Marquette. I did a good job of making it more than just about basketball. I think, being at a place like Marquette, it’s really like family because of the people around it. I embrace those relationships every day because it’s truly a special place. It’s one that I’ll cherish for as long as I live because of everything that it’s given me and everything it’s provided me. Those are all things I can take with me for the rest of my life. Those are all things I’ve said to them before and what I would say to them even if they were here right now with me.
I love that advice. What are some other things that you were involved with on campus at Marquette?
MH: I was definitely very active on campus in different student-athlete groups like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). I was also on a student athletic advisory committee. I was on that committee for about two years. And then any kind of campus outreach I could do. I tried to always be active in terms of community service and just trying to be sure I was getting out in the community. I didn’t want to be the stigma of a basketball player. I just played basketball went to school, and that was it. I tried to immerse myself as much as I could into the Marquette community, and it’s something I’m very proud of.
I also want to touch base with you a little bit about your high school experience going to Findlay Prep. You have a lot of teammates either currently in the NBA or will be in the NBA hopefully, soon, including several guys in this class. How did that experience help shape you to become such an elite competitor?
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
MH: It was a great experience being at Findlay and being around guys like PJ Washington and Oshae Brissett and Skylar Mays and Lamine Diane every day in practice. I got to practice against so many guys that would go on to play in the NBA. As a competitor, I enjoyed that. I loved it. We had such a competitive spirit each and every day in practice. That is what made me want to go there. It prepared me for going to college, being able to be at that intensity each and every day against high-level players. It was definitely a big part of my development, my growth, and I was happy to be able to do it.
What are some of the things that you like to do now when you’re not playing basketball?
MH: I like spending time with my family, resting, recovering, watching movies, playing cards. I’m pretty laid back, even if we weren’t in this quarantine, I’d be doing the same things besides training. I’m hanging out, laying low. I just like to spend time with my family. That is pretty much how I’ve always been.
Do you have any goals for yourself either on or off the basketball court?
MH: For both, continue to get better and grow. I think in anything, especially in life, that’s all you can aspire to do is to grow, to get better. It can translate to basketball. That’s something that I think if I take that step each day, I’ll continue to get better, continue to grow. It could only lead to success. That’s all I focus on each and every day.
Raptors rookie Oshae Brissett will not play on Saturday in the season restart opener against the Lakers due to an injury.
[jwplayer AFUUcqVf]
Toronto Raptors rookie Oshae Brissett will not play on Saturday in the season restart opener against the Los Angeles Lakers due to right knee soreness, the team announced.
Brissett made only one appearance during the Raptors’ three scrimmage games, logging four minutes on July 24 against the Houston Rockets. Brissett did not score in that contest and did not play in the final two scrimmage games.
Brissett, who is signed to a two-way contract, spent much of the season in the G League with the Raptors 905 and logged only 19 appearances in the NBA prior to the season shut down. He was included on the team’s final roster and is eligible to play.
Brissett said on July 21 that, despite not playing much this season, he will remain ready for his opportunity should his name be called. After suffering a knee injury, that chance may be delayed until he can become fully healthy again.
Brissett averaged 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds this season with the Raptors.
Ahead of the season restart, Raptors rookie Oshae Brissett is leaning on the advice given to him by Fred VanVleet.
[jwplayer gWkUP5ky]
Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet went undrafted out of Wichita State in 2016 and, as a result, was forced to fight, scratch and claw his way onto an NBA roster.
VanVleet bet on himself and put in the work necessary to have an opportunity with the Raptors. He is now in a position in a cash in during free agency with the Raptors or another team after emerging as a key player for the defending NBA champions.
Given his path to this point, VanVleet is a perfect role model for younger players who find themselves in a similar position that may have gone undrafted under the radar. One player in a similar position is leaning on the advice given to him by VanVleet ahead of the season restart.
Raptors rookie Oshae Brissett, who went undrafted last year, has spent much of the season in the G League with the Raptors 905 and logged only 19 appearances in the NBA. While he didn’t play much throughout the season, Brissett said Monday that he is staying ready for his opportunity.
[I’m going into the restart] with not really having any expectations, just being ready whenever my number is called. That’s kinda what Freddy told me at the start of the season because he was kinda in my position a few years ago. I asked him how he coped with it going through his first year [and] he told me just to stay ready and that’s kinda what I did all year no matter if I was with the 905 or with the Raptors; anytime I was called, I just tried to give my maximum effort. That’s the same way I’m going to carry on with this: Whenever we’re out there, I’m going to be ready when Coach calls me.
Brissett was included on the Raptors’ roster ahead of the season start and will be eligible to play with the team. Although it is unclear how much time he could potentially play, it is certain that he will be ready for when his number is called.
The Raptors kick off the season restart Aug. 1 vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.
Raptors rookie Oshae Brissett recently became a first-time father but he had no reservations about restarting the season this month.
[jwplayer UbYvRska]
Toronto Raptors rookie Oshae Brissett recently became a first-time father but the former Syracuse Orange forward had no reservations about restarting the season this month.
Brissett, who is signed to a two-way contract, and the Raptors have been training since June 22 in Fort Myers, Florida. The team was granted permission to begin isolating in the United States and has been working out at Florida Gulf Coast University.
The team on Thursday will make the three-hour bus trip to begin the season restart at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida, but for Brissett, re-joining the team was something he wanted to happen once the season was suspended on March 11.
Even when the season ended, I wanted to get right back on the court. I knew the opportunity we had to get back here together as a team, I was going to jump on it right away no matter what the circumstances were. Obviously, it is tough leaving my daughter but FaceTime and all of those things are available now so I call her all of the time and I’m on the phone with her just talking to her. Hopefully, family will be able to come sometime in Orlando so whenever that opens up, I’ll for sure see them. The decision to leave, it wasn’t a tough decision to leave. Getting on that plane and saying bye to her, that was the toughest part.
Teams are permitted to bring 17 players, including two two-way contract players, into the season restart. Due to the increased chance of injury or sickness, the NBA wanted teams to have as much depth as possible given the circumstances. Under normal conditions, Brissett may not have played all that much in the postseason but the Raptors have told him to stay ready just in case.
Prior to the season suspension, Brissett logged only 19 appearances with the Raptors but showed promise in the G League. Brissett averaged 15.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one steal in 28 games played with the Raptors 905. He recorded a career-high 29 points and 10 rebounds on Feb. 22 against the Maine Red Claws and finished off his season by scoring at least 20 points in each of his last three games.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the season restart, Brissett may be called into action but it appears as though the first-time father will be ready when his name is called.
The Raptors rookie jumped on TikTok to offer his take on some of his teammates’ fashion choices.
[jwplayer OvL4xDB2]
Toronto Raptors rookie Oshae Brissett is among the growing number of NBA players to take their talents to TikTok during the hiatus of the regular season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Players like Ja Morant, Matisse Thybulle, Darius Bazley and others have all hopped on the popular social media outlet to create video clips. Brissett joined those players and offered his impression of some of his Raptors teammates.
Brissett found a hallway in his place and started to recreate his teammates’ fashion choices on their way into any given arena and he was hilariously spot on with most of them.
The video by Brissett quickly became a hit and is his most-viewed TikTok clip. From Serge Ibaka to Pascal Siakam, Brissett nailed the impression of his teammates and it certainly made for an entertaining video clip to watch on social media.
Brissett averaged 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds in 19 games with the Raptors.
