Wednesday, July 17, 2019

4 Things we learned from Celtics Summer League


With all of the festivities surrounding the NBA off-season coming to an end, we can finally sit back and analyze how prospects are looking after Summer League.

The Celtics have made some big changes to their team this summer as they went through a "retooling process" after losing both Kyrie Irving and Al Horford in free agency. The Celtics selecting four rookies in the NBA Draft certainly gave fans plenty to talk about.

Here are four things we learned from Celtics Summer League.

1. Carsen Edwards really impressed us

Edwards is a baller and should have been a first-round pick. The dude just averaged 19.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and one steal in five Summer League games, including two starts. Edwards showed the world that he does in fact have the range to hit 3-pointers in the NBA, where he shot 46.7 percent from behind the arc.

It doesn't matter if he's contested or not, he is confident in himself every time that he can hit the shot and it shows. Celtics inking him to a 4-year deal is great for both sides, as he is going to be a lot of fun to watch this year.

2. Robert Williams III has improved 

I found my eyes on Williams a lot throughout Summer League. The second-year center is looking more like an athlete ahead of the upcoming season, as his footwork and versatility have increased.

Williams averaged 9 points and 9.8 rebounds this summer. He showcased himself as a solid NBA big, perhaps not a full-time starter yet but he is definitely progressing in the right direction. Using a first-round pick last season on Williams, I think we have to be happy with what we're seeing from him thus far.

3. Grant Williams could earn a starting job 

Williams can flat our play basketball at a high level. His understanding of the game showed that in Las Vegas even in Summer League play. One of the things you notice when you watch him play is seeing him learn from his mistakes throughout games -- a great sign from a rookie entering the NBA.

The two-time SEC Player of the Year finished his summer averaging 13 points and 6 rebounds. As the season progresses and Williams gets more in tune with the fast-paced style of the NBA, I do think he becomes the Celtics' starting power forward.

4. We need more Tacko 

Tacko was easily the headline of Summer League, and we all enjoyed the show. This summer, Fall averaged 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2 blocks. It's impressive to see him move the ball and make defenders work against him.

The quality of pure dominance in a player is something the Celtics have been missing for a long time. I'm not sure what the plan is here moving forward but I think I can speak for all of Celtics Nation when I say that we want more Tacko.



Justin Trombino 




Picture used is courtesy of Getty Images

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