In the electrifying aftermath of the Boston Celtics’ hard-fought victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Josh Minott stood courtside at TD Garden, basking in the thunderous roar of the fans. With a microphone in hand and NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin by his side, the young forward couldn’t hide his pure joy. “I just love this place so much, man,” Minott confessed, his eyes scanning the iconic arena. “This place just brings me so much happiness.” But for Minott, it’s not just the gleaming hardwood and the championship banners that have captured his heart—it’s the entire city of Boston that’s stolen the show.
Flash back to Tuesday night, where the real magic unfolded off the court. At the Roxbury YMCA, Minott joined forces with the Celtics and New Balance to unveil a stunning gym renovation, kicking off the Jr. Celtics Academy (JCA) program Path to the Paint. This marked the seventh such project in their ongoing partnership, transforming community spaces into hubs of inspiration. As roughly 60 kids from the Roxbury area charged onto the freshly revamped court, swarming the 6’8″ star, Minott’s face lit up with an unbreakable grin. He led drills, shot free throws in friendly competitions, and soaked in every moment like it was his own childhood dream come true.
“I love it, man,” he said post-event, still buzzing with energy. “Just the opportunity to come out and connect with the community on a personal level—it’s different from having 20,000 fans cheering you on. I feel so much more tied to the youth now. It’s a true blessing to interact like this.”
Minott’s journey to this point has been a whirlwind. Drafted in 2022, he spent three frustrating seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he struggled to break into the rotation, averaging no more than 6.4 minutes per game. But since landing in Boston, everything’s flipped. In his first eight games with the Celtics, he’s clocked 20.9 minutes a night and secured a spot in the starting lineup. The on-court boost is undeniable, but it’s the off-court transformation that’s truly remarkable.
“Truthfully, in three months here, I’ve probably been outside my place more than in three years in Minnesota,” Minott admitted with a chuckle. “I’ve been exploring nonstop—getting to know the vibe of this massive city. So much more to do, so many people to meet. I’m breaking out of my shell, not just hunkering down at home.”
And oh, has he dove headfirst into the Boston experience. From savoring authentic Italian feasts in the North End—”La Summa’s is killer, love that spot”—to discovering hidden gems around town, Minott’s embracing it all. Sure, there have been a few misses, like that underwhelming beach outing in November. “Went to one out here, wasn’t that great,” he laughed. “Forgot the name—don’t even ask. It was pretty tiny.”
Yet, what fuels Minott’s passion most is giving back, weaving himself into the fabric of the community. As he dribbled alongside those wide-eyed kids at the YMCA, leading them through drills they’d brag about for years, Minott reflected on his own roots. “I’ve been hooping since I could walk—Little Tykes hoop at two years old,” he shared. “Growing up in South Florida, I went to a Miami Heat camp. I’m turning 23 this month, and I still remember snapping pics with James Jones, seeing Erik Spoelstra there. That was like 14 years ago, and it shaped me forever.”
Now, the tables have turned. The kid who idolized NBA stars is the one inspiring the next generation, creating memories that echo his own. “To come full circle and do this for others—it’s unreal,” Minott said, his voice filled with awe. “I never imagined I’d be the counselor. It feels amazing just to be here.”
In just three short months, Josh Minott hasn’t just found a new team—he’s hit a grand slam love affair with Boston, turning a fresh start into a story of connection, growth, and unfiltered joy. Who saw this coming? No one. But Boston? It’s all in now.