5 takeaways from the Celtics’ summer league games
Robert Williams remains a question mark.
COMMENTARY
The summer-league Celtics depart Las Vegas with plenty of reasons to be optimistic — and a few lingering uncertainties — ahead of the upcoming season.
While returning players Jabari Bird and Semi Ojeleye both showed signs of growth from their rookie seasons, first-round draft pick Robert Williams only logged six minutes and 45 seconds of playing time before exiting the court with a left knee contusion. Williams remained sidelined for the rest of summer league — primarily as a precautionary measure — despite his wishes to return to play.
“Whatever is best for his long-term career with us, that’s what I’ll do,” summer league coach Jay Larranaga told reporters the day after Williams’s injury.
Although the limited nature of Williams’s participation disappointed many, the Celtics still have much to draw from their six summer league games.
Here’s a look at what we learned:
Jabari Bird can ball.
Bird’s performance in Las Vegas proved he is worthy of an NBA contract.
The shooting guard, who was one of Boston’s two two-way players last season, averaged a team-high 16.8 points on 57 percent shooting. Bird said he used the opportunity in Vegas to highlight the different facets of his game, including his jump shot, back cuts, overall athleticism, and pick-and-roll play.
“I’ve worked hard all summer, I’ve worked hard all my life, and I’m just trying to take advantage of the opportunities available on the court,” Bird said after a 24-point showing against the Denver Nuggets. “Being on a two-way [contract] last year, I was hungry, trying to prove myself. Going into the summer, being a restricted free agent, I’m trying to prove myself again, so I can be on a roster.”
As a restricted free agent, Bird has garnered interest from both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to The Boston Globe‘s Gary Washburn. More teams are likely interested after his impressive offensive bursts during summer league. The Celtics have reportedly extended a qualifying offer, worth $77,250, and can match any offer sheet he receives from other teams.
If Bird signs the qualifying offer, he will remain a two-way player with the Celtics and their G League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. As a two-way player, he wouldn’t be considered a part of Boston’s 15-man roster and would remain ineligible to compete in the postseason. Bird, however, will likely try to negotiate a standard NBA contract — whether that be with the Celtics or another team.
Boston waived its other two-way player, Kadeem Allen, Sunday to make way for guard Walt Lemon Jr., who they signed to a two-way deal Monday.
Robert Williams remains a question mark.
Robert Williams continues to be an enigma for the Celtics.
Although some have dubbed him the steal of the 2018 NBA Draft, Williams hasn’t gotten off to the best start with the Celtics. Summer league would have been the perfect chance for the 20-year-old big man to showcase what he brings to the table — especially after he overslept the morning of his introductory conference call, causing it to be postponed, and missed the team’s first practice — but an unexpected knee injury derailed the opportunity.
During his brief time on the court, Williams scored four points on 2-of-4 shooting and grabbed two rebounds. The two shots he made were a dunk and a mid-range jump shot, while the two shots he missed were a baseline runner and another mid-range jumper. Williams’s shot selection, albeit limited, was somewhat promising because mid-range shots are not a known part of his wheelhouse. Coach Brad Stevens had said Larranaga and the summer staff were working with Williams on the form of his shot, the depth of his shot, his free-throw accuracy, and his handle.
Training camp will be Williams’s next opportunity to demonstrate he is ready and able to contribute at the NBA level. Though his knee injury is not expected to be serious, one health-related issue to monitor is an artery condition he has in both of his legs. Williams revealed during summer league he has been playing with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) since college.
Guerschon Yabusele’s role with the Celtics is undefined.
Second-year player Guerschon Yabusele’s play was also encouraging, as the 22-year-old averaged 12.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Though he spent the majority of his minutes at center, Yabusele proved he has the skills of a point guard as well. A capable playmaker, he said he has been working on his passing in order to “make the right play” and create shots for his teammates.
“Guerschon’s greatest strength is his ability to see the game and make plays for others, seeking opportunities off a roll, driving a big off a closeout,” Stevens said. “That’s what we’re focused on with him. He’s playing the 5 a lot because that’s where he’ll have to play some. But he’s playing the 4 and 5 a lot. He has to guard both of those to continue to progress the right way.”
It’s still unclear where exactly Yabusele fits into the lineup this season. There’s certainly some promise — his three-point shot (and celebratory dabs) have continued to find success, and his footwork and quickness are impressive given his size — but Boston’s roster is stacked with talent. With a deep frontcourt led by forward Al Horford, the minutes for Yabusele might just not be there.
Semi Ojeleye has made offensive strides.
Semi Ojeleye commanded a strong defensive presence while guarding 76ers center Joel Embiid and Bucks center Giannis Antetokounmpo during last year’s playoffs.
He struggled, however, to find his shot. Despite logging solid minutes (15.8 minutes per game), Ojeleye averaged 2.7 points on 34 percent shooting during the regular season.
But the 23-year-old has gained some confidence and said he hopes to become more of an offensive threat this season. Ojeleye averaged 12.4 points on 43 percent shooting during summer league.
“Last year, I just focused on defense,” he said. “This year, I hope I can take the right shots, be aggressive, and hopefully make the right passes or the right decisions.”
This team is tight.
Several players not participating in summer league made appearances in Vegas. Point guard Kyrie Irving, forward Jaylen Brown, and shooting guard Marcus Smart were all spotted at the Thomas & Mack Center to catch at least one game.
Brown even expressed interest in playing. He told ESPN’s Marc Spears he’s “not too good” for summer league, but Stevens quickly shut that idea down.
