Boston Celtics: 3 Summer League players that could nab a roster spot
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics Summer League player No. 2) Matt Ryan
Justin Jackson may be one of the very few Summer League players that have an actual running knowledge of how Ime Udoka’s system operates, but he’s not the only one, as the second-year pro, Matt Ryan, also spent some time on the main team’s roster last year while being attached to a two-way contract.
In fact, though Jackson may have the advantage when it comes to NBA experience considering he’s played over 250 regular season games throughout his career, it is Ryan who may actually have the better shot of nabbing a roster spot on the Boston Celtics for this coming season, as he seemingly fits the mold to a tee when it comes to what the front office is looking for.
Recently, Udoka made comments about what he believes the C’s could still use within their revamped rotation, and, of the several areas of need that he mentioned, shooting out on the wing was a specific aspect that he covets:
"“Obviously, Sam (Hauser) has been signed already. So for us, it’s the best available wing possibly. You always like to add shooting…”"
During this year’s Summer League, Matt Ryan was essentially a walking bucket for the ball club, posting a team-leading 19 points on a team-best 52.6 percent shooting from deep. Sadly, his stint in Vegas was cut short due to a right ankle ailment, but, quite spectacularly, the injury was sustained on what became the game-winning buzzer-beater he hoisted up to win their matchup against the Bucks (finished with 23 points on 6-of-11 shooting from deep).
His total games played this summer was capped at just two but, in these outings, the 2021 undrafted free agent showed enough potential to likely earn himself a training camp invite and, should he continue from right where he left off, he could work his way into a spot on the end of Boston’s bench.