Tremont Waters
First up on our list we have the rookie who has shown the most promise during his first year with the Boston Celtics, Tremont Waters. Though only seeing action in a total of 10 games on the NBA’s hardwood — where he saw averages of 3.3 points and 1.2 assists per game in a mere 8.9 minutes — the point guard has shown enough to warrant intrigue by both fans and, even, opposing team’s front offices.
One last name that came up repeatedly talking to front office executives and scouts about the G-League Showcase: Tremont Waters. Water is on a Two-Way with Boston.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) December 23, 2019
"He's an NBA backup PG right now. I told our GM to trade for him, because he's better than what we have today."
The one time he received a significant amount of playing time was during a November 25th matchup against the Sacramento Kings, where he logged seven points, three assists, two boards, an impressive two blocks (he’s just 5-10) & a steal to go along with a box +/- of +20 and, in turn, a 103-102 Boston Celtics victory.
However, a majority of his time has been spent with the Maine Red Claws in the G-League where, like his bout against the Kings, he has received ample playing time and, as a result, as played quite well. Averaging 18 points, seven assists, and three rebounds the 51st pick from this past draft managed to help guide the Boston Celtics affiliated developmental team to a record of 28-14, good for third place in the Eastern Conference.
The reason why we believe Waters should receive some extra playing time during these proposed final six regular-season games is not solely because of his solid play when given opportunities in 2019-20 but, rather, to help preserve starting point guard Kemba Walker for the playoffs.
Heading into the suspension, Walker had just made his return from a multi-game absence due to a knee injury that has apparently been nagging him all season. Even during an interview with NBC Sports Boston, Walker said that while the knee is “doing well,” he is unsure of how it would fare during in-game situations:
"“It’s difficult because I don’t have anyone around to give me treatments or anything like that. I have to do my own stuff which I’m trying to do as much as possible; try to stay on top of things.”"
When things begin to start back up again, all personnel are officially allowed to return to team facilities, the Boston Celtics medical staff will likely jump right back into properly treating Walker’s knee to get him fully healthy come playoff time.
With this proposed string of games, it would give the All-Star even more time to properly rehab. And yes, while it would be beneficial for all the players to come back and play some exhibition games prior to the start of the high-level of play the postseason requires, a proven player like Walker does not necessarily need all of them to get back into the swing of things.
They could opt to hold Walker on the sidelines for the first three outings, which would leave more minutes to be grabbed at the one guard while also giving him a few preliminary games to get him warmed up for the tougher road ahead. Sure, many of these available minutes would go to current backup point guard Brad Wanamaker, but it may be wise to throw Waters some minutes in order to get a better look at what the team might have in store for next season.
With the fact that the team is already guaranteed a playoff spot, it might be worth it to bestow a bit more playing time to their rookie point guard before his season — there’s almost no way he will see a lick of action come the playoffs — officially ends.