If the Boston Celtics look a little more aerodynamic than usual, it’s not just their chemistry on the court behind the look.
It seems a trend of minimal hair was sparked by fourth-year wing Jaylen Brown’s decision to shave off his trademark flattop in favor of a buzzcut and a beard as he and the rest of the team sought a “fresh start” to put the disastrous 2018-19 season behind them.
Soon after, rookie guard Carsen Edwards joined the fray, shaving off his hallmark hairdo — a bouncy crown of dreads that the Purdue product has come to be known for.
The specific motivation of the young shooter’s new look is unknown, though there has been speculation it could be tied to the prospect’s poor shooting to start the regular season.
The trend continued today with forward Semi Ojeleye’s decision to cut off his dreadlocks as well. Known as The Ojeleye Factory for his muscle-bound frame, Semi’s exact reasoning is also yet unclear.
Whether or not the new ‘dos will have any specific impetus behind the team’s early success or not, Boston’s off to a surprising 4-1 record with wins over the defending champion Toronto Raptors and last season’s league-leading Milwaukee Bucks. The team’s record, the chemistry they’re developing on and off of the court, along with their new hairdos, reflect that a fresh start has indeed been made early on in this season for the Celtics.
As the team works to shake off nagging injuries ahead of the season’s first road trip, the new-look roster has evidently found a way to emphasize the culture shift’s impact on winning on the court.
And while the roster may be significantly less seasoned than the team that crashed and burned in 2018-19, the improved esprit de corp of the team is manifesting in victories that might have been out of reach for a fuzzier Celtics roster than this season’s.
Evidently, in more ways than one.
