The Boston Celtics kicked off Las Vegas Summer season League in a dropping effort to the Miami Warmth Saturday afternoon. It was a star-studded affair, with Jayson Tatum, Tyler Herro, and lots of others in attendance, however the Summer season Celtics in the end couldn’t seize a win. Miami’s Mychal Mulder stole the present, main all scorers with 23 factors.
The Celtics can have a couple of extra video games in Las Vegas to showcase their younger gamers and check out a couple of extra who could also be vying for a coveted roster spot. You’ll be able to try the complete Boston Celtics Summer season League schedule right here.
With one contest within the e book, let’s recap what we’d’ve realized. Listed here are three ideas on our first have a look at the Summer season Celtics.
Mfiondu Kabengele is perhaps for actual
Jul 9, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Miami Warmth heart Bryson Williams (58) shoots in opposition to Boston Celtics heart Mfiondu Kabengele (28) throughout an NBA Summer season League recreation at Cox Pavilion. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports activities
Boston is searching for one other huge so as to add to the membership’s frontcourt rotation. Maybe they’ll use one of many membership’s many TPEs. Perhaps they’ll signal an outdated pal in Aron Baynes. Or possibly they’ve a high quality huge taking part in this summer time in Las Vegas.
Mfiondu Kabengele definitely regarded like a person gunning for a spot on the regular-season roster. In opposition to Miami within the membership’s first Summer season League recreation, the Canada-native didn’t disappoint. Kabengele completed with 14 factors, six rebounds, and three assists in 24 minutes of taking part in time.
Boston’s Summer season League entrance court docket regarded promising. Whereas Kabenegele’s mixture of athleticism and contact actually impressed, Trevion Williams was additionally capable of affect the sport at a excessive degree.
JD Davison is price watching
Boston’s lone draft choose from the 2022 NBA draft has rightfully earned a little bit of buzz in Vegas. JD Davison definitely regarded a little bit uncooked within the first little bit of motion for the Summer season Celtics, to be anticipated given his participant profile.
He completed the sport with 10 factors, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. Davison was making his presence often known as greatest he might, and he did a whole lot of dealing with the ball for Boston. He got here up limping after a lay-up within the tail finish of the fourth quarter, though he appeared to keep away from any actual harm.
Proper earlier than the opening tip, Davison signed a two-way contract with the group. He instructed reporters after the sport that he was nonetheless within the hunt for a full common season deal.
Sam Hauser must sharpen his management chops
Among the many many names and faces suited up for Boston in Las Vegas, Sam Hauser would possibly stand out. He’s the elder statesman of the Summer season Celtics, and has a assured deal for subsequent yr. In opposition to the Warmth, he was a little bit of an orchid.
By some measures, Hauser has little to show. Summer season League actually isn’t a showcase for gamers already below contract. There’s different guys carrying inexperienced in Vegas with extra on the road.
On the identical time although, each head coach Ime Udoka and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens had been in attendance on Saturday. Hauser’s reluctance to actually inject himself into the sport was fairly clear. Sure, he has coaching camp and past to actually get going. However with the Celtics trailing all recreation lengthy, it felt as if Boston would have benefited from a contact of veteran poise.
With Payton Pritchard looking on, it could appear Hauser wants all the pieces he can to actually stand out as a task participant with a considerably restricted bag off the bench.