Gordon Hayward and Semi Ojeleye have been getting to know each other and working out together
The moment the Boston Celtics drafted Semi Ojeleye, he became a fan favorite. Looked at as a steal in the second round, everyone loved what they saw from him.
Then summer league came around and even more people started falling in love with him. It is incredibly tough for a second rounder to make a roster that is contending for a title, but it appears as though Ojeleye will have some sort of role on the team.
Now, according to Jason Smeathers (Via Celtics Blog), Ojeleye has been working out with the new prized free agent acquisition, Gordon Hayward.
It is tough to tell if Ojeleye will ever get significant minutes along with Hayward, but any extra chemistry that can be established will be beneficial.
More from Hardwood Houdini
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
If Ojeleye does get a chance to play with the starters it will be in small ball situations. Ojeleye will be one of the guys that will try and make up for when the Celtics are undersized with Hayward potentially playing in the front court.
Stevens spoke about his impressive ability to guard opposing fives. If that is the case at the NBA level, you better believe that he and Hayward will be able to show off any tricks they might pick up on while working out together.
The Celtics had a remarkable roster turnover from last year, and there are legitimate concerns about chemistry off the bat. The chemistry between these two will not make or break this team, but working out together can allow them to learn some of each others tendencies, and try to use that to ease the transition for so many players.
The Celtics desperately need one of the young versatile bigs to work out, and Ojeleye should get an opportunity to seize that kind of role.
Next: Stevens Checks Into Patriots Camp
If he and Hayward are working well together and he finds ways to further benefit Hayward while they are on the court together, that alone will earn him important minutes as he tries to establish some sort of trust.