Perkins’s presence on the list was automatic (that’s kind of what happens when you tear an ACL), and Bradley’s is expected (he sure did get one hell of a so-called sprained ankle). But Erden’s inclusion on the inactive list came as a bit of a surprise, and is likely due to a shoulder injury that Erden suffered before he joined the Celtics and later reaggravated this preseason.

Despite nagging pain in his shoulder, Erden surprised the Celtics fan base this preseason. Forgive me for not initially being too excited about a goofy-looking Turk who averaged 6.2 points and 5.4 rebounds last season in Turkey, but Erden surprised me too. Both in FIBA play this summer and preseason play the last few weeks, he has shown a maturity to his game that belies his age.