Boston Celtics Lose a Summer League Gem to Rivals

The Boston Celtics had plenty of players stand out this past summer league and one of the main attractions was Jonathan Holmes. The unfortunate reality is that, according to Masslive, Holmes has done the unforgivable by signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. It was also reported that the contract will be partially guaranteed, reaffirming how impressive Holmes was during the summer league.

As great as Holmes may have been with the Celtics it cannot be a surprise to see him sign elsewhere, its just frustrating that he chose the Lakers. The Celtics added Amir Johnson, David Lee and Jordan Mickey to go along with Jared Sullinger and Jonas Jerebko in order to solidify their power forward position and there simply is no room for Holmes.

Apr 4, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) gestures while watching game action against Toronto Raptors with team mates (from left) Jared Sullinger, Phil Pressley and Jonas Jerebko on the bench at Air Canada Centre. The Celtics won 117-116 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps Holmes could have stayed with the Celtics for a non guaranteed contract but he did enough to earn more than that in the summer league.

Perhaps Holmes would have had a shot if he could switch over to the small forward position but the Celtics have better options if they are going to have a player switch their position.

Its a tough pill to swallow to see the 10 points and 5 rebounds per game on around 50% shooting leave but with how minimal of a role Holmes would have had on the team there should be no regrets.

The Celtics will have animosity towards Holmes for signing with the Lakers but there is almost no chance he would have earned a spot on the rotation. Holmes simply has too many bodies ahead of him on the depth chart and the Celtics would never give him a guaranteed contract.

The good news for Holmes is that he will have an opportunity to be a featured player with the Lakers. The Celtics have better depth than the Lakers and after impressing in the summer league, Holmes should have plenty of opportunities with the Lakers.

The Lakers have to figure out a lot of things with their roster and they are in a great position to allow Holmes to show case what he is capable of on the big stage.

Even if Holmes earned a roster spot with the Celtics the playing time would have been non existent as he is significantly behind any other power forward on the team. The Celtics will already have to find a way to work the rookie Mickey into the rotation, making it next to impossible to give the other undrafted rookie enough opportunities.

More from Hardwood Houdini

Home/Celtics News