In the recent preseason game between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, the Celtics’ emphasis on defense, particularly among players vying for roster spots, was evident.
Dalano Banton, a 6-foot-7 guard in his third year, was one of the players competing for a place on the roster. He got the starting role in the second half at guard after the regular players rested following their first-half stints.
However, Banton’s time on the court was short-lived. Just 34 seconds into the third quarter, he was replaced by Lamar Stevens due to a noticeable lack of effort on the defensive glass during Boston’s first defensive possession.
Banton had the opportunity to grab a rebound off a missed shot by Tobias Harris but failed to secure the board. He made a half-hearted attempt to retrieve the loose ball, resulting in PJ Tucker and Payton Pritchard getting tangled up in pursuit of the loose ball.
Coach Joe Mazzulla immediately benched Banton and had a stern conversation with him on the sidelines. Banton did re-enter the game with 3:01 left in the third quarter, but the message was clear.
Coach Mazzulla addressed the situation after the game, emphasizing the importance of holding players to a high standard. He believes in the potential of the entire roster and values the opportunity for players to learn and improve. He commended Banton for his response to coaching and highlighted the guard’s chance to become a great player in the league, emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude and coachability.
The coaching moment was seen as an important opportunity for Banton’s growth as a player.
