Assessing the Boston Celtics 2019 rookie class at the quarter-season mark
How are the 2019 draftees of the Boston Celtics producing so far this season?
What came as a surprise to most people was the Boston Celtics using all four of their draft picks in the 2019 NBA Draft by selecting Romeo Langford, Grant Williams, Carsen Edwards, and Tremont Waters.
Along the way the Boston Celtics have also acquired Tacko Fall and Javonte Green as un-drafted rookies. Out of the four draft selections Tremont Waters was given a two-way contract, while the other rookies made the 15 man roster.
Due to a series of unfortunate events, Romeo Langford hasn’t been able to see much time on the court this season. Although the Celtics drafted Langford because of his keen scoring ability, the C’s also knew about his injury history. The 14th overall pick rolled his ankle during a Maine Red Claws game and hasn’t played since.
Here's the drive where Langford appeared to injured his ankle. Was helped off the floor following the play. Had 14 points in 17 minutes before the injury. pic.twitter.com/oFgDPtM5bJ
— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) December 1, 2019
There were high expectations for the under-sized rookie of Grant Williams to fill the void of Al Horford. Grant has an exceptionally high basketball IQ for a rookie, for what will make him a well-rounded player. For Williams to start impacting the outcome of games, he desperately needs to develop a more consistent and confident shot from around the court. Time with Kara Lawson could greatly benefit the Tennessee product.
Horford developed into a great spot-up shooter from all around the court throughout his career, but especially from the top of the arc. If Grant can hone in on the shooting aspect of his game and be more consistent from the field, the rookie will become exactly what the Boston Celtics were expecting when the team drafted him in the first round this past summer. He did get his first start Wednesday night with Marcus Smart out with injury.
“You can’t really worry about your misses, or you’ll miss the next one,” Grant Williams says of his 3-point shooting. “I’ll take one again, and it’ll go in.” Members of the team have told him he should be about a 40% 3P shooter based off of how he shoots it in practice.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 30, 2019
After showing the Boston Celtics exactly what he brings to the table during Summer League, Carsen Edwards hasn’t been able to bring the same production into the regular season. Even though he’s a shooter, it seems it would be more beneficial to the team if he would play more like a point guard. It is noted that Edwards puts in a lot of work with Celtics assistant coach Kara Lawson, who is an established basketball player who is a WNBA champion and Team USA gold medalist.
https://twitter.com/RedsArmy_John/status/1202271006146146305
Tremont Waters on the other hand has been playing like an All-Star in the G-League for the Maine Red Claws this season. So far, Waters is averaging 21.6 points, 8.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game. His overall play has earned him G-League Player of the Month honors and his first “recall” to play for the Boston Celtics. The time spent with the Maine Red Claws is becoming really beneficial in the development of Waters.
The thing to keep in mind is the two-way contract of Waters. The C’s don’t want to risk using Waters to early in the season, as he only has 45 days with the team. If the Celtics are going to be without Marcus Smart for a few weeks, Waters could easily be recalled to the team again.
https://twitter.com/nbagleague/status/1201614544629641218
With Romeo Langford injured and Tremont Waters being on a two-way contract, it really does come down to only Grant Williams and Carsen Edwards who are representing the Boston Celtics’ rookie draft-class this season.
Grant Williams: 2.2 points (25.9% FG), and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Carsen Edwards: 4.1 points (30.8% FG), 31.9% 3FG, and 1.8 rebounds per game.
Next. Unlocking Robert Williams' playmaking potential. dark
Whether or not you are thrilled with the low statistical output, you have to be thrilled with the Celtics’ 16-5 start at the quarter-mark of the season.