3 takeaways from the Boston Celtics 109-105 loss to Blazers

Boston Celtics takeaway No. 2) Romeo Langford showed up

One of the few bright spots in this troubling loss was the stellar, albeit surprising play of Romeo Langford.

People like me have been asking, “Where art thou, Romeo?” primarily, since Ime Udoka rotations as of late were not including him.

Down both Smart and Nesmith, the Boston Celtics needed defensive grit and tenacious energy from someone.

Folks, here art thou Romeo!

Langford was a +17 in this contest which led the C’s in the +/- category. The former lottery selection also used his 6’8 frame to make timely hustle plays defensively, whether it be erasing an opponent’s shot away to save a possession or winning a fifty-fifty ball.

The wing was everywhere, as he chipped in 12 points on a very smooth 5-7 shooting clip.

This outstanding play from the youngster may force Ime Udoka’s hand to permanently include him in his main rotations. In a previous piece at HH, we mentioned how Udoka mismanages the minutes with his second unit.

Surely, this game must serve as a reminder that we have some uber talented youth buried on the bench.

The coach needs to invest in the development of our first-round picks like Grant Williams, Romeo Langford, Payton Pritchard, and Aaron Nesmith when healthy. Win or lose, this is critical for the long-term future of the ball club.

Overplaying veterans who are likely one-year rentals or simply expandable trade bait is not a foundation for building a team.

For example, Schroeder will most likely be dealt by the deadline as rumors heavily suggest. Why bury Pritchard’s minutes below someone who is not a part of your long-term plan?

There is no reason that Josh Richardson should be overshadowing the likes of Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith, for, frankly, they have a higher upside and more potential.

There just needs to be more of a balance in the minute’s distribution.