Boston Celtics: 3 players who could see increased roles today vs. OKC
By Mark Nilon
Player Who Could See Increased Role No. 2) Tremont Waters
With Kemba Walker officially ruled out for today’s game against OKC, Brad Stevens will need all hands on deck in order to fill the ample amount of vacant playing time at the one spot. Though the likely candidates to get increased minutes are Marcus Smart and Brad Wanamaker, with how reports have stated he’s played in practice of late, we could easily see extended action from rookie Tremont Waters as well.
In fact, Stevens is already on the record saying Waters will see a lot of action in at least one of these upcoming scrimmages:
Brad Stevens said Tremont Waters will play "a lot" in at least one of the three scrimmages.
— Boston.com Celtics News (@BDCCeltics) July 13, 2020
What better time to bestow the man extra minutes than when your starter is sidelined due to injury?
Though recently placed in concussion protocol, the young guard has passed all tests and will be found suited up on the sideline ready to go once his number is called.
The reigning NBA G-League Rookie of the Year had quite a nice first-year campaign playing for both the Maine Red Claws and Boston Celtics. Through 36 games in the developmental league, Waters found himself averaging 18 points, 7.3 assists, and two steals per game on 35 percent shooting from deep.
Perhaps in a setting similar to that of a G-League stadium — smaller arena & minimal attendance –, like the one teams are currently playing in at Disney, coupled with extra minutes, we could see similar production to what we saw when he was entrusted with a bigger role with the Red Claws this season.