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Celtics untapped talent pool - trade or development? Maybe a bit of both.


Many unknowns surround the Celtics young-and-untapped talent pool. Think about this!

We have started to see rookie Aaron Nesmith emerge in the past two games, both wins for Boston. In the two contests, Nesmith logged a combined 35 minutes and scored 20 points on 7-of-11 (64%) from the field and 6-of-10 from 3-point land (60%). The 14th-overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft  also managed seven rebounds over the 2-game span and received some accolades on his defensive effort. There may be more to Aaron's game than sniper-level marksmanship.

Fellow rookie, Payton Pritchard, is another story. He has looked poised (and been productive) since he first stepped on the parquet. Despite lacking elite athleticism, he is quick, decisive - and has terrific body control. He looks more like a 3-year vet than a raw, first-year guy taken late (26th) in the first round.

How about Romeo Langford? The fact is that nobody knows his floor or his ceiling. Injuries thus far have derailed his rookie season last year and his sophomore campaign in 2020-21. Like Nesmith, he was chosen at #14 by Danny Ainge, but we have seen little of him. 

Grant Williams was taken 22nd overall in the 2019 draft. He has been a part of the Celtics rotation this season and 2019-20, but stardom doesn't appear to be in the cards for this likable young man. Carsen Edwards? Celtics fans have seen a spark in him lately. If he keeps acclimating to the NBA game, it seems he could have a long career.

Danny Ainge can't seem to consider letting Tacko Fall and Tremont Waters go. They remain on two-way deals and may have a place on other NBA teams. But Tacko seems too big and slow for Brad Stevens systems, and Tremont lacks the wing size favored by the coach. 

Javonte Green has stellar athleticism and shows flashes of NBA-level talent, but his floor time remains very limited. And Rob Williams? His minutes have increased as his performance has evolved, but we still don;t know just how good he can be.

That it! As I wrote - there simply are too many unknowns relative to this young - and yet untested - Celtics crew. There will be calls to Danny Ainge about the availability of some of this group, and Danny already has a good idea about the potential of each.

 Trade or development? We probably will see a bit of both.

 


 

 


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