Boston Celtics: 2 players that need more playing time in 2020-21

Tacko Fall, C

Perhaps the most polarizing figure currently on the Boston Celtics is also one of the least utilized players on the team. While we can’t fault the C’s for not using the raw talent that is Tacko Fall too often in 2019-20 — after all, they’re currently a contender and he still needs time to develop — 2020-21 should give more opportunity for the Senegalese Supergiant.

Signed to a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics in mid-October, Fall received eligibility to suit up for the C’s for a total of 45 games throughout the year, while sharpening his skills alongside our other entry on this list, Tremont Waters, with the team’s G-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws, when not on the C’s active roster.

Though seeing action in just six games on the hardwood of the NBA, where he averaged a mere 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and .3 blocks in just four minutes per game, it was his work in the G-League that prompts hope amongst those faithful to the Celtics franchise.

In 29 outings with the Red Claws, Fall showcased his dominance on both ends of the floor. Averaging 12.9 points, 11.3 rebounds and 3.1 blocks a game on 75 percent shooting, the 24-year-old helped lead Maine to a record of 28-14 (fourth best in the league) while helping them rank tenth in offensive rating (115.4) and seventh in defensive rating (110.7).

Though it’s seen as “just the G-League”, for Fa;; it was proving to do exactly what it was created for: to help raw players hone their skills to better position themselves for a crack at a rotation spot in the NBA.

Every game it appeared the center was getting more comfortable and more fluid with his skills. Prior to the season’s suspension, Fall nearly recorded his first career triple-double at the professional level, putting up 16 points, 14 rebounds and nine blocks on a perfect 100 percent shooting from the field.

Look, I get it: Tacko Fall is certainly a work in progress. He has many aspects of his game in which he needs to improve upon — shooting touch, footwork, on-ball defense, etc. However, it comes to a certain point where the G-League can only do so much for one’s development.

The best way for someone to become NBA ready is to, well, play NBA basketball. It may sound obvious, but ever so true: the Boston Celtics really have no idea what they have in Tacko Fall in terms of potential productivity in the league.

His towering stature is reason enough to have the coaching staff be enticed to throw him extra minutes in year two. Add in his steady progressions in Maine and you have every reason to re-sign the center to another two-way deal for 2020-21.

Sending him into more low-stakes matchups as well as garbage time minutes when on the active roster can only give Fall a better audition and chance to show what the team may have in Beantown’s favorite big.

Might TD Garden’s “We want Tacko!” chant have more impact next season? We can only hope!