Ojeleye may not be playing a lot of minutes under Stevens in his rookie season, but he has certainly impressed the Celtics head coach.

The 22-year-old has been given a role by Boston, not to score, but to simply defend.

And he has already matched up against LeBron James, Kristaps Porzingis and tonight's opponent Giannis Antetokounmpo - all potential MVP candidates this season. 

At 6"7, weighing in at a chiseled 240 pounds, Ojeleye making it tough for the league's best players to impact the game against the Celtics.

And Stevens expects Ojeleye to soon be recognised for his defensive capabilities.

"He's a very capable three-point shooter and he's a guy you have to guard out there so he's going to draw attention," Stevens said.

"On the other end I think he can be elite defensively. 

"I'm not sure he's far from there now.

"He's able to guard 1-through-5. He guarded Booked for a couple of possession the other day and I was kicking myself for not trying it earlier.

"He just has a great base and lateral athleticism that I think is very unique."