Celtics Introduce Rookies

The Celtics made it clear that they did not want to use all four draft picks in the 2015 NBA Draft. So the exact opposite was what occurred and the team introduced their selections to the media. It must have been fun for the rookies as they all got to meet and greet with each other. While turning these prospects into a top-tier free agent would’ve been better, the future looks promising with the new influx of players.

The big takeaway from this press conference was how head coach Brad Stevens stated how the next couple of days will be the most important days. I’m sure Stevens cannot wait to test out his new “toys” to see whose ready and who isn’t. He will be able to scout more during Summer League play, but seeing how these rookies interact with the veterans can be intriguing. I wonder if they will be as inclusive as fans would want, especially since the rookies could possibly take playing time away. It just depends on how well these players can do with a proven head coach. I know I’m excited to see how they perform.

Many Celtics fans are excited to have R.J Hunter join the team. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Of course the biggest name added to the Celtics is Georgia State’s guard, R.J. Hunter. The “next Klay Thompson” was all smiles and said all the right things. He has even created a presence on social media, praising the Celtics. He will become a fan favorite very soon. Hunter states how it’s a shooting league and cannot wait to try his hand at the pro level. If he can stay healthy and be able to create his own shot, he might be the player who steals tons of playing time from the likes of James Young and Marcus Smart. Scouting reports on Hunter can be mixed, but for the Celtics selecting him at twenty-eighth could be a monster steal.

Another bit of information the media received was an explanation of why Danny Ainge selected Terry Rozier at number 16. Ainge believed that if they didn’t select him there, that he would’ve been taken off the board. It seems that during the days leading up to the draft, his name was becoming popular. Many know about how top-tier guards didn’t want to face off against him during workouts, leaving some general managers to wonder how good defensively he is. I was a little harsh on the selection when it happened, but I’m told he will be beloved in Boston. Freakishly athletic, good defender, and possibly could develop a shot is enough to have me on board with this selection. He’s also tough, especially after learning his backstory coming into the NBA. Could it be that the Celtics made two big steals in the draft? I wouldn’t go that far, but I like the fact that Rozier is on this team.

At first some weren’t happy with Terry Rozier being selected, but now fans look to embrace him on the team. Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Plus, was it just me or did these rookies seem passive talking to reporters? There were some one-word answers which confused me since I could talk about basketball all day. Hunter would talk about how it hasn’t really hit him that he was drafted, which everyone can understand. I’m hoping that the nerves will die down, and allow these rookies to truly showcase their talent. I’m just hoping things can go forward instead of backward. However, the team has a few Summer League games to shake off rust. It should be fun for Celtics fans to watch regardless

All in all, it was a fun event for the Celtics. I enjoyed watching some of the press conference and it seems that Celtics fans can get excited about the new crop of players. While it was said that Marcus Thornton will be in the D-League this year, the possibility of three rookies joining the roster could tantalizing. It will be important to see if they can contribute and skills they can bring to the table. Plus if Hunter can prove to be a scorer, watching him team up with Isaiah Thomas could be a thing of beauty. Plus, a backcourt of Rozier, Marcus Smart, and Avery Bradley defending could cause nightmares for opponents. I might be too optimistic but why shouldn’t fans be? These players could be the best players that the team signs this offseason.

C.J Maffris is a writer for Hardwoodhoudini.com and believes that only the Celtics rookies will be useful. Feel free to disagree with him @SeaJayMaffris