Celtics ☘️ Sentinel

 We already knew rookie Hugo Gonzalez - alias "The Spaniard" - needed to develop his outside shot. He was only 4-of-12 from the field and 1-of-5 from the charity stripe in Boston's win over the Grizzlies. But he did hit 3-of-5 from beyond the arc . But he is a newcomer to watch. He never stops moving - whether on offense or defense . A matador, he is not. He may have given Celtics fans a brief return to the days of John Havlicek . Great to see that movement.  And the kid is versatile . He ended the game with four rebounds, five assists, one steal and two blocks . Hugo is only 19 years old , and a newcomer to American basketball. He has a lot of growth ahead of him, and I am excited to watch him develop over the next few seasons. Looks like another (at least minor) coup by the figuratively-handcuffed Brad Stevens . Forced to trade two valued starters to save money, Hugo Gonzalez could end up a prize with the 28th pick in the draft.

 Remember the pre-draft analysis on Jordan Walsh . "Tough defender" - "Limited offensive game" . Well, in the Celtics loss to Miami in Summer League competion, Walsh scored a team-high 18 points on 6-of-11 from the field, 4-of-6 from 3-point land and 2-of-2 from the charity stripe. J D Davison logged team-high minutes (31:44), followed by Walsh with 30:54. It was clearly an attempt by Assistant Coach Tony Dobbins to view Davison as a facilitator, and his 11 assists stood out in the loss. The offensive output by Walsh was a surprise to many, including me. Justin Bean (13 points, 7 boards, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block) and Jay Scrubb (17 points, 6-of-11 FG) added some hope for the Boston Celtics cloudy future. But the 99-88 loss to the Celtics recent Eastern Conference Finals foes - despite being only Summer League - hurt nonetheless. Stay tuned!

We know we need another big to insure that both RWill and Al get their rest and stay healthy so that Banner 18 can become a reality. What if we have the answer in summer league? Mfiondu Kabengele and Trevion Williams have both shown flashes of solid play. Question is will one or both of them fill up our empty roster spots? Or is there a trade in the works using that TPE before July 18th? Kanbengele has shown the ability to finish at the rim with authority. He has some decent offensive skills, can rebound, and passes the ball well. He can block shots and is showing that he wants one of these roster spots. If anything we will see him get invited to training camp and see how he fares. Then and only then will we see if he gets a spot on this roster geared towards Banner 18.   Trevion Williams has shown that he loves to pass. What's great about him at such a young age is his ability to know the game of basketball and see the floor. He's willing to work hard on D and honestly his po...

 It was a rough outing for the Boston Celtics in Summer League action last night, losing to the Miami Heat, 88-78. Sam Hauser and JD Davison were a horrid 5-of-23 (combined) from the field , with Hauser hitting only 1-of-9 on 3-pointers. As a team, The Green hit only 35.4% of their field goals and 31.4% of their 3-pointers . The action was fast, but Boston was forcing their offense on too many possessions. Two bright spots were the performances of Mfiondu Kabengele and Matt Ryan. Kabengele came away with 15 points, six rebounds and three assists , while Ryan bombed away from deep, hitting 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Juhann Begarin played a team-high 33 minutes, notching 13 points, six rebounds and two assists, but hitting a mere  2-of-10 from the field. Getting back to Davison, he managed six rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals - with only one turnover. He is damn quick and never seems to slow down. He also hit on 2-of-5 on 3-pointers. This kid is definitely ...

      Payton Pritchard came to ball this summer! 20 points per game, almost 9 assists and 4 rebound s. Shooting over 50 percent from the field and three point line. Not to mention 89 percent from the charity stripe. In college the basketball world recognized he can ball and be a deadly assassin! Kid has no fear at all !       He's the perfect compliment to the Jays. He spreads the floor and defenses can't leave him alone or he will make them pay. His fearlessness on the floor makes him very valuable to the growth of this year's Celtics team. Just imagine crunch time and the other team makes a point to take the Jays away well guess what PP is willing and able to take and make winning shots.       Throughout last season when he was on the floor plenty of Celtics fans thought: Boy would Tommy have loved this kid! It would have been a Tommy Point bonanza for P Rabbit. Payton shows that he's willing to sacrifice his body for his team ...

After Tacko Fall failed to be drafted in the 2019 NBA draft, Danny Ainge moved in to sign the 7'7" giant to an Exhibit 10 contract. That contract does not guarantee that the big man will remain in Boston. If he is not signed to the 15th-and-last Celtics roster slot, he has to be waived by Boston - at which time any other team can sign him to their own contract. He can be given a $50,000 bonus is he agrees to join the Celtics G-League affiliate Maine Red Claws, but his agent, Justin Hayes, is saying that may not be good enough (per Boston Globe's Adam Himmeslsbach): The Celtics believe that with further development Fall could become an NBA contributor. But it’s unclear if they want to keep a development project on the roster. That’s where things become tricky. Fall signed an Exhibit 10 contract, meaning he will receive a $50,000 bonus if he is waived and agrees to then join the Maine Red Claws. But Fall’s agent, Justin Haynes has insisted that Fall will be picked up by a...

Tacko Fall's potential as a solid NBA player starts with his size. Anyone over 7-feet can be classified as a giant, but Tacko surpasses that. he is 7'7" with an 8'2" wingspan and a 10'2" standing reach. He can cover an 8'-by-10' wall just by spreading his feet and waving his arms. Shooting over him or passing around him will be a challenge for opponents. But it doesn't end there. He doesn't run the floor like 6'9" Bill Russell did, but he is not far behind. He is smooth and fluid for a (very) big man. And he has soft hands to catch and retain a pass and place it (yes, place it) in the basket. Is he destined to become a true NBA player? A Celtics staffer thinks so. Asked a Celtics staffer if Tacko Fall is an NBA player. The response: “I think he’s worth an investment for sure. If he improves this season anywhere close to his improvement the last few months then I think it’s hard to argue against him.” He’s been in Boston workin...

During new-player intros, players, coaches and NBA execs usually say all the right things. A short while ago during the the introduction of Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter to Boston, Danny was asked if Tacko Fall had a future with the Celtics. Here is his answer, per NESN's Logan Mullen : “I think that Tacko is going to have a chance to make the roster, but we’ll see,” the president of basketball operations said. “He’s here working out right now, brought him in for a few days just to have a place to work out before he heads back to Senegal — I don’t think he’s been back there for a long time, six years or something, so there’s some visa work to work out as well. But we see some upside there, we’re excited about him.” My thinking is that Ainge may wait to fill that 15th roster slot. Fall's next move from his present Exhibit 10 deal may be to receive a cash bonus and head to the Maine Red Claws. That seems the safest route for Boston if that is agreeable to Tacko. Following that...

The votes are in, and no Celtics made either First Team or Second Team Summer League. Prior to seeing the results, I had Carsen Edwards on that Second team. But I was more disappointed than surprised when I viewed the voting results. They tend to be somewhat arbitrary. With first-round pick, Romeo Langford, out of action with a thumb injury, the other three Celtics draftees (Edwards, Grant Williams, Tremont Waters) performed very well and more-than-proved they have future value for Boston. 🌟 2019 @NBASummerLeague First Team 🌟 @TheReal_NAW1 @_bigjayy_ @brandonclarke23 @nunnbetter_ @23savage____ pic.twitter.com/k7UDjYnJhk — NBA (@NBA) July 15, 2019 🌟 2019 @NBASummerLeague Second Team 🌟 @chrisboucher @rui_8mura @hayes_jaxson @AnferneeSimons @lonniewalker_4 pic.twitter.com/7KLpWpoX02 — NBA (@NBA) July 15, 2019 Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel and Facebook Photo via AP

This is a tale of strength in the face of tragedy, and it tells much about the character of Celtics Rookie, Tremont Waters. Two days after the tragic suicide of Tremont's dad, Ed Waters, this tough young man was on the court for the quarter-finals game versus the Memphis Grizzlies. The game was a loss for Boston, which in the scheme of things, didn't matter. Waters played a team high 32 minutes and took plus/minus honors with a team-high +7. Tremont Waters wrote a message on his sneakers in memory of his father, who passed away on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/glKI7y0G6A — NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 13, 2019 The kid is strong.. — bayu prasetyo (@bayupras) July 13, 2019 Yes, this kid is strong - just what Danny Ainge looks for when drafting. The message on Tremont's shoes read "July 11, 2019. EBW II. Team Waters." Waters Way." When I saw Waters went 1-of-10 from beyond the arc last night, I wondered if his thoughts of his dad's last moments on earth pri...

The quote in the title about rookie Carsen Edwards "looking like a lottery pick" is from former Celtic, Kendrick Perkins. Kendrick was fairly quiet during his tenure in Boston, but he has been expressing his views on the NBA quite a bit lately, and people are paying attention. It’s no way in Hell Carsen Edwards should have went in the second round. Looking like a Lottery Pick to me. GMs must have a different set of eyes then the rest of us lol! — Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) July 13, 2019 Perk was on the Celtics 2004 Summer League squad that included All Jefferson, Tony Allen, Delonte West and Marcus Banks. Jefferson averaged 18 points per game that summer, and Carsen just topped that in five games, averaging 19.4 PPG on 48% from the field and 47% from 3-point land. Carsen Edwards was a walking bucket for the #Celtics in #NBASummerLeague play, recording the highest PPG for the team since 2004👀 https://t.co/0PfpBQ7c7K pic.twitter.com/YgEsvcR1R3 — NBC Sports ...

The Celtics 94-88 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies in the Summer League Quarter Finals meant little. Wins and losses in the off-season have little significance. What matters are the youngsters and how they respond to elevated pressure. My hat is off to the Diminutive Duo of Tremont Waters and Carsen Edwards. I was literally on the edge of my seat, and that rarely happens for any NBA summer contest. When tragedy strikes, the smart lesson is to try to follow your normal routine. Well, this game was two days after the horrible suicide of Ed Waters, Tremont's dad. Let me say that the suicide of a loved one results in trauma that death from a fatal accident or illness can't match. Despite the trauma, Tremont stepped on the court and played a team-high 32 minutes and came away with a team-high plus/minus of +7. That is fortitude at a young age. #Celtics summer league coach Scott Morrison on Tremont Waters and his situation pic.twitter.com/0B3dfBsS7v — gary washburn (@GwashburnGlob...

It has been confirmed by Connecticut authorities that the father of the Celtics Tremont Waters died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Ed Waters was only 49 years old, and his death, and the manner in which it occurred, will be with his family forever. Tremont Waters’ father found with self-inflicted gunshot wound to head https://t.co/kzPaqIBR4B — The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) July 12, 2019 Several months ago, a very close friend of mine died in a similar manner, and my thoughts of his last hours, minutes and seconds won't leave me - his phone call to police describing his intentions (suicide by gunshot), destination and the note he left behind. Tremont and his family will long feel the pain that was transferred to them from Ed Waters upon his death. Given what we've seen so far, I think this is a *very* prudent route to consider, as well as maybe offering Waters a rookie minimum to open a space for our favorite very tall basketball player as a 2-way guy....

Second-round draft pick, Carsen Edwards, and the Boston Celtics have reached an agreement on a 4-year, $4.3 million-guaranteed contract. The final year of the contract is a team option. The length of the deal is rather unusual for a second-rounder, but Danny Ainge must feel Edwards is a keeper. So do I. This kid combines excitement and skills, and he is a determined, relentless scorer. He fires away with no hesitation or conscience, and his shot from anywhere can be deadly. The #Celtics and second-round pick Carsen Edwards reportedly have agreed to terms on a four-year deal: https://t.co/ezSaFqK6Pi pic.twitter.com/AVX38Vfxbb — NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) July 13, 2019 This is wild 😳 pic.twitter.com/PjIWzIKQ5b — ESPN (@espn) July 12, 2019 The Celtics roster is for 2019-20 is solidifying, but not yet in stone - never is with Danny at the helm. Watch for my article later today on the situations with Tremont Waters and Tacko Fall. He's been a stud so far. I ...

According to WTNH.Com's Alex Cenevia, the father of Celtics rookie, Tremont Waters, was found dead on Thursday at a West Haven, Connecticut hotel. Ed Waters' tragic death is currently regarded as an untimely death, or sudden-unattended death as it is known in other states, and will be thoroughly investigated by police and other authorities ( per WTNH.com's Elex Cenevia ): Police are investigating the untimely death of a local newly drafted NBA player’s father, who was found dead at a West Haven hotel on Thursday. Police say that Tremont Waters‘ father, 49-year-old Ed Waters, was found dead after police responded to the Super 8 Hotel, at 7 Kimberly Drive, for the report of an injured/ ill person, at around 12:04 p.m. Authorities are investigating Waters’ death as an untimely death and it is considered an active case. #BREAKING It is with sadness that I must report the father of newly drafted . @NBA . @celtics player #TremontWaters , Mr. Ed Waters, was found dead T...

My readers know well that I tend to lean, at least slightly, to the optimistic side of things. I have watched Tacko Fall carefully in Summer League, and I dispel the notion that he is not an NBA-caliber player. The general knock on the really big guys in today's NBA include - slow, plodding, can't shoot from outside, can't defend the perimeter, injury-prone, too thin and frail. In other words, most players taller than 7-feet can't fit today's game. But maybe the game has to fit them when you have a unique big-man specimen in the person of Tacko. Here's my point. When Bill Walton joined the 1985-86 Celtics, critics were questioning how the tall quartet of Larry Bird (6'9"), Kevin McHale (6'10"), Robert Parish (7') and Walton (6'11" - no, he was taller than that) would match up against smaller opponents. Coach K.C. Jones' response was, "Let them match up against us." Good point, and it worked, producing a Championship...

Danny Ainge is playing another numbers game here, and he just made a necessary move by waiving third-year forward, Guerschon Yabusele. With the logjam at the wing position - the success of the Summer League crew - and the disappointing play of Guersch as a member of that unit, meant the writing was on the wall. Yabu had to go. Frankly, it was painful to watch Guersch in action for the three Summer League contests, all wins for Boston. He looked slow and uncertain and was being outplayed by many of his teammates with zero NBA experience. The Celtics may have to eat his $3.1 million for this season, but it had to be done. So where does that leave us. Danny already has Max Strus and Tremont Waters locked up on two-way contracts. Grant Williams looks like he can contribute right away and should be heading to a standard contract. As a second-rounder, Carsen Edwards' deal is not set in stone, and Ainge can attempt to negotiate any contract that is agreeable to both parties. He has...

Some say an NBA team can't have too many wings in today's game, but the Boston Celtics are pushing the limits. The wing core consists of Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown - backed up by Daniel Theis, Semi Ojeleye and Guerschon Yabusele. Marcus Morris is gone via free agency, but here come rookies Grant Williams and Romeo Langford . Theis, Ojeleye and Yabu all saw limited minutes last season and may once again if G-Will is as good as he has shown in Summer League. In three contests thus far, Grant has averaged roughly 11 PPG, 7 RPG, 2 APG, 1 SPG and 1 BPG. What may go unnoticed is that he has led his team in plus/minus in the three games, all wins for the Celtics. He has averaged a +19 over a span of 61 minutes in the three contests. I could be wrong and premature, but I don't see Guersch as a long-term NBA player. He is still young, and a trade to a rebuilding team might be a better venue for him. If Daniel is fully-recovered from his meniscus tear, he ma...

We are only two games in, but the Celtics Summer League crew have given fans some real hope. They took out the Philadelphia 76'ers 96-82 on Saturday and defeated the Cavaliers last night by a score of 89-72. Here is the long-and-short of what I have witnessed. Let's start with the "long" part - Tacko Fall. According to Draft Express' Jonathan Givony, Tacko broke all kinds of records for height (7'7"), wingspan (8'2.25") and standing reach (10'2.5") at the Combine. He comes in at 289 pounds and is big in every sense of the word, but he doesn't move like it. Last night versus Cleveland, he scored 12 points in 11 minutes on a perfect 5-of-5 from the field. His teammates looked for him down low, and he delivered. I see no distance shots from him yet, but he did can both of his free throws. Fall has become an immediate fan favorite. Barring injury, he should be able to have a long NBA career. That is his floor. No one yet knows his ce...

The most obvious good news is that Boston won their first Summer League game by defeating Philadelphia 96-82. There are a number of bright spots, but lets get the bad news out of the way. 1.) Guerschon Yabusele needs to be traded I have held off on writing this for close to a year, but going into his third NBA season, it looks like Yabu may have been re-signed by Danny Ainge simply for future trade purposes. In the Philly game, he played 16 minutes - did not score (0-of-4 from the field) - while coming away with a team-low plus/minus of -12. He is signed this season for $3.1 million, a sum that may be useful in a trade, and he is slated for $4.8 million next season with a team option. This young Frenchman is loved by everybody, but I don't see him as a long-term player in the Big League. 2.) Carsen Edwards looks like keeper Yes, I know it was only one game from Summer League, but in 28 minutes, Carsen notched 20 points, 15 of which came from beyond the arc. He added three ste...