Charles Bassey is with the Boston Celtics for Summer League. The big man has been practicing with the team and is suited up for games, though he’s not listed on any of their official rosters. Bassey last played for the San Antonio Spurs but is currently an unrestricted free agent.
He has spent the past three years in San Antonio after playing his rookie season with the Philadelphia 76ers. This past season, he appeared in 36 games for the Spurs, playing 10.4 minutes per contest. He averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks while shooting 58.1% from the field.
Bassey could be an intriguing name to keep an eye on, especially considering the current state of Boston’s center position.
Could Charles Bassey sign with Celtics?
Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, Xavier Tillman Sr., and rookie Amari Williams are currently the only centers on the Celtics’ roster heading into next year.
Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Georges Niang and draft capital, Luke Kornet signed with the Spurs in free agency, and Al Horford is expected to sign elsewhere this summer (or retire from the NBA).
With all that movement, there should be no shortage of opportunities for centers on the Celtics’ roster to earn their keep, and if Bassey plays well in Summer League (if he plays at all), he could be an interesting name for them to add to their standard roster.
Bassey is a bruising 6-foot-10 big man who makes his money on the glass and setting screens. He’s not a floor-spacer, and his field goal percentage took a dip last year, but he definitely has the body to play NBA basketball, as well as the nose for rebounds.
Will Charles Bassey play in Summer League?
The Summer League Celtics don’t have a ton of big bodies on their roster, either. Alongside Bassey, who is still not on the team’s official roster, they have Williams (the rookie), Ben Gregg, and Kenneth Lofton Jr.
Lofton Jr. is the biggest name of the group, as he just won MVP in China this past year. He has a few years of NBA experience under his belt, most notably, his time with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Gregg went undrafted after a lengthy collegiate career with Gonzaga, and Williams was selected by the Celtics with the No. 46 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Bassey not being on the team’s official Summer League roster is a bit odd, so there’s a chance he may not earn playing time, but he’s definitely an interesting name to watch.