Following a resurgent season with the Charlotte Hornets that essentially revitalized his NBA career, Svi Mykhailiuk is emerging as a potential key contributor for his new team, the Boston Celtics. His strong preseason showings have generated considerable enthusiasm among Celtics fans, as they anticipate his impact on the upcoming season.
Mykhailiuk, a former Kansas Jayhawk and record-holder for the most three-pointers made in a single college season, was notably absent from the Celtics’ NBA preseason debut. However, he quickly made his presence felt in the team’s subsequent two contests, showcasing his offensive prowess.
In his first appearance, Svi Mykhailiuk delivered an impressive performance, contributing 15 points and three rebounds while shooting 5-for-9 from the field, including a 3-for-7 display from beyond the arc, all within 26 minutes of play. His ability to stretch the floor with his sharpshooting was evident.
Two days later, in a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, Mykhailiuk repeated his 15-point performance, this time with even greater efficiency, shooting 5-for-6 from the field and an impressive 3-for-4 from long range.
Hailing from Cherkasy, Ukraine, Mykhailiuk had previously demonstrated his skills toward the latter stages of the 2022-23 season with the Hornets, where he averaged 17.0 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.0 rebounds in the team’s final nine games. His late-season surge didn’t go unnoticed, attracting the attention of multiple teams during free agency. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player who was once considered a candidate to play overseas but has now extended his NBA career.
With two standout preseason performances under his belt, Svi Mykhailiuk has captivated the hearts of Celtics fans. There is a growing consensus among supporters that he could challenge Sam Hauser’s position in Joe Mazzulla’s lineup.
While Sam Hauser is expected to have opportunities during the regular season, the impressive showing by Mykhailiuk has sparked discussion about a potential change in the starting lineup. If he continues to excel and Hauser faces challenges, coach Joe Mazzulla may contemplate making adjustments, creating an intriguing competition that Celtics fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on as the season unfolds.
