WALTHAM, Mass. – The shot clock winding down and the ball in hand, Boston Celtics rookie Demetrius Jackson has simulated this scenario many times before.
On Saturday it was real as the third quarter against Charlotte was coming to an end.
And there was Jackson in position to play out what he had practiced previously.
He delivered a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to end the third quarter as part of Boston’s 104-86 preseason victory over the Hornets.
The shot had very little impact on the game’s final outcome, but it was a reminder as to what happens when good practice habits are put to the test in an actual game.
It also served as a reminder as to the value of always staying ready for any and all situations.
Jackson said it is something he works on with Celtics assistant video coordinator Brandon Bailey.
Boston Celtics
“With coach Bailey, he randomly grabs me at any time and we do a shooting drill,” Jackson said. “There’s a certain number that I want to reach. That simulates being grabbed off the bench. You never know when you’re going to be called and you gotta make shots.”
The second-round pick has been used sparingly thus far in the preseason, getting just seven minutes, 30 seconds of court time.
On Saturday, he played just under 15 minutes while finishing with nine points, two rebounds and two assists.
A lot of attention is paid to the talent level being so much greater in the NBA than college or overseas. But players like Jackson must also adjust to having to go long stretches and not play.
“I try to stay mentally prepared, physically prepared, try to work as hard as I can on days like today,” Jackson said. “And keep my mind on the game. Also, I have a couple things that I do that help me simulate coming off the bench and trying to make an instant impact.”
It makes for good practice, because the chances of him getting those opportunities this season are highly unlikely.
Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley are Boston’s starting backcourt, with Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier also in the rotation and expected to play significant minutes.
“He’s at a deep position,” said Celtics head coach Brad Stevens. “So the best part for him is he can learn, grow and compete against those guys every day.”
And the expectations for him are not all that different than they are for Boston’s other guards.
“Just play good basketball at both ends of the floor, being in the right spot as much as possible, letting the game tell you what to do and being the best version of yourself,” Stevens said.
And that version of Jackson won’t see too much court time this season, but understands the call to play can come at any time.
“Definitely I feel like I’m getting better coming in (games) cold,” Jackson said. “You never know when you’re going to go in.”
But we do know that when that time comes, Jackson will be ready.