NBA Summer League 2021, Championship Game -- Celtics vs Kings -- Aug. 17, 9PM

[Half-Full]

Handing out 3 stars, hockey style: Pritchard, Nesmith, Hauser.

Yeah, and Bruno played well too. Would hate to see him get traded, especially if there is little coming back. I would rather have him on the roster than Jabari.

[Hal14]

At about the 6:04 mark you see Madar start limping. He stays in the game for a little longer but is clearly in some type of pain. Then they take him out for the rest of the game.

It's too bad, right before he came up limping he was starting to get in a rhythm with 2 quick buckets early in the 3rd quarter. And with it being a blowout and Pritchard sitting the last 7 mins of the game, you know Madar would have gotten to play and run the point those last 7 mins.

Watch on YouTube

[sam_I_am]

Handing out 3 stars, hockey style: Pritchard, Nesmith, Hauser.

Yeah, and Bruno played well too. Would hate to see him get traded, especially if there is little coming back. I would rather have him on the roster than Jabari.

Bruno reminds me of Kyle O’Quinn. I’d like to see him stick around. He just seems like a good guy to have on roster as he likes to mix it up. He is the unsung hero of summer league. Without him, the SL team looked like a hot mess. With him, our better players are thriving.

[TheMartian]

Carsen stunk it up again I see. Can't seem to shoot better than 33% for an alleged shooter. How long do we have to wait till he figures his **** out? I think he's been given enough time to prove himself.

[Ed Pinkney]

Haven't had a chance to watch today's game yet but to be honest, I don't quite see it at NBA level with Mader and Hauser (at least not yet). There is always uneven play in Summer League, but you can usually get glimpses that give you an indication about whether a player is likely to cut it at the next level or not and I have doubts.

Mader's manic, overly busy playing style obviously caught some summer league scrubs off guard, but bigger stronger actual NBA guards aren't going to have much trouble dealing with it. I didn't see enough other than those couple of good minutes in the first game that made me think he should definitely come over for this coming season. The Celtics don't have a roster spot for him at the moment do they? It would need to be a two-way or a move to open a spot if he was to come over wouldn't it?

The knock on Hauser from the little I read on him after the draft was great shooter, terrible defender. And that is pretty much what has stood out to me so far. There were a few times I noticed when he defending on the ball and off the ball, and when he was attempting to block out and jump on the defensive boards, that I thought ouch, he is going to get torched in the NBA. At least the two way contract means he can play G-League and NBA games without needing a roster spot.

Anyway, could definitely be wrong about one or both of them but at the moment I am not seeing it.

Nesmith and Pritchard on the other hand are looking like genuine prospects and exactly what you want from players picked in the middle or second half of the first round - capable, quality role players for the second unit on cheap contracts who show the potential to be even better in another couple of years. It looks pretty clear that with this summer league team there is these two guys, then daylight, then Langford, Bruno and maybe Begarin, and then everyone else.

[TH15]

Hot take: Pritchard/Nesmith looking like our Herro/Robinson with better defense

[GoGreen]

At about the 6:04 mark you see Madar start limping. He stays in the game for a little longer but not able to go full speed. Then they take him out for the rest of the game.

It's too bad, right before he came up limping he was starting to get in a rhythm with 2 quick buckets early in the 3rd quarter.

Watch on YouTube

Dangggg that's tough

[BostonCouchGM]

Haven't had a chance to watch today's game yet but to be honest, I don't quite see it at NBA level with Mader and Hauser (at least not yet). There is always uneven play in Summer League, but you can usually get glimpses that give you an indication about whether a player is likely to cut it at the next level or not and I have doubts.

Mader's manic, overly busy playing style obviously caught some summer league scrubs off guard, but bigger stronger actual NBA guards aren't going to have much trouble dealing with it. I didn't see enough other than those couple of good minutes in the first game that made me think he should definitely come over for this coming season. The Celtics don't have a roster spot for him at the moment do they? It would need to be a two-way or a move to open a spot if he was to come over wouldn't it?

The knock on Hauser from the little I read on him after the draft was great shooter, terrible defender. And that is pretty much what has stood out to me so far. There were a few times I noticed when he defending on the ball and off the ball, and when he was attempting to block out and jump on the defensive boards, that I thought ouch, he is going to get torched in the NBA. At least the two way contract means he can play G-League and NBA games without needing a roster spot.

Anyway, could definitely be wrong about one or both of them but at the moment I am not seeing it.

Nesmith and Pritchard on the other hand are looking like genuine prospects and exactly what you want from players picked in the middle or second half of the first round - capable, quality role players for the second unit on cheap contracts who show the potential to be even better in another couple of years. It looks pretty clear that with this summer league team there is these two guys, then daylight, then Langford, Bruno and maybe Begarin, and then everyone else.

except Pritchard and Nesmith are NOT "role players" lol. How can anyone watch Pritchard, in complete command on both ends, and being the lights out shooter and passer that he is, not see him as a starter? He's the best player on the court in every game this SL. If he started for us he'd put up similar numbers. He's what Larry Bird would be if Larry was a 6'1.5" PG. And Nesmith is much more than just a 3 and D two guard. He's a very good passer and has above average athleticism and infectious hustle. He's good enough that it would allow us to move Jaylen. Role players is a term that should be relegated to guys like Danny Green, Reggie Bullock and Caruso, not guys who are at minimum above average starters. Put it this way, if Pritchard and Nesmith are starting, we could be a 50 win team. If we're starting Schroder/Smart and Richardson, we'll be a 44 win team if we're lucky. They provide spacing that will allow the Jays to drive and get to the FT line and Pritchard's passing would be lethal with our diving bigs. If they're coming off the bench it'll be a huge mistake and will show me right away whether Udoka is a fraud or not.

Hauser is an elite C&S guy with great size. He can't defend but if you have either of the Jays on the bench and both Smart and Richardson on the court you almost have to put Hauser in at the 3/4 so he should get plenty of minutes. He tries on defense so it's not like he's just lazy. He just has very big and slow feet so guarding on the perimeter is next to impossible for him. At least the effort is there though.

I hope for Begarin's sake he gets traded. He will not be developed properly here. He's a PG in the SGA mold with similar size and even personality. He's pass first and can drive on mismatches with occasionally pull up jumpers. We are playing him off ball and he's clearly not ready to be in that role because his shooting isn't there. He's got great form and release he just lacks confidence and needs reps. I don't want him languishing overseas or on our bench or in the G-League. It'd be better for his career if he's moved to a team that will develop him as a PG.

Madar is not an NBA player. He just doesn't have the requisite athleticism or physicality to overcome his inability to shoot. Him instead of Edwards is probably a lateral move I'd make though just in case there's some untapped potential should Madar hit the juice and put on some serious muscle. He's certainly savvy with high BBIQ and an adequate handle.

Speaking of trades, I have a sneaking suspicion that the reason Pritchard and Nesmith are playing so much is to showcase for a trade which makes me sad because they could be 10 year starters for us.

[return2glory]

Good win. Fun game to watch. We were hitting 3s all game. Great ball movement.

Hauser finally looked really good. 21 points on just 12 shots and 7 assists.

Pritchard looked good again with 17 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.

Nesmith had a good game too with 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists.

Begarin finally showed some bounce with a nice dunk and a block. He had 7 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. The 8 assists was impressive. He was sloppy with the ball though.

Bruno was solid again with 10 and 6.

[return2glory]

box score if it hasn't been posted yet:

https://www.espn.com/nba-summer-league/boxscore?gameId=401352166&league=nba-summer-las-vegas

[Celtic Esquire]

Great ball movement from this team. Hope to see that translate into the regular season.

OT but the two female announcers were awesome. They were really into the game and even got me more excited. Get them into the major broadcasts!

[captain green]

Looking at box score magic straight up played 90 players like wtf? Low key liked 2 blocks and 2 steal from auguste, and is romeo hurt again ? Pp, nesmith balling!! Mader and juhann look raw but have natural talent were in good shape for cheap contracts in near future.

[Fierce1]

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[Fierce1]

Like I said, Nesmith's body type is similar to that of Giannis.

I think Nesmith will become more than just a role player by the time he's 24 years old.

[Hal14]

Hot take: Pritchard/Nesmith looking like our Herro/Robinson with better defense

Nesmith/Pritchard have played good defense at summer league? I feel like they've been average at best at that end of the floor, probably a little below average.

Also, Pritchard and Nesmith are lighting up summer league. Robinson and Herro lit up the Celtics in the eastern conference finals. A little bit different but I am definitely encouraged by what I've seen offensively from pritchard/Nesmith.

[Hal14]

Saturday's game will be a good test. We're facing Philly, who's 2-0. so far. Their backcourt of Springer/Maxey is probably just as good as our Pritchard/Nesmith backcourt.

Springer is a 6'4" PG and is a tenacious defender who can also score. He was 28th pick in the draft but many people had him projected as a lottery pick. That matchup will help make Pritchard better and vice versa.

[ddb]

Here's my quick hot takes through 3 games.

Pritchard: Looks ready to contribute on a regular basis. Can make the argument that he contributed quite a bit last season, but he looks further developed and ready to help out. Awesome shooter, he's a gamer, and stays calm. I really like this kid.

Nesmith: My way too early choice to start with the J's. He's going to always be a threat to make 3's. Pair that with his size, length, and hustle and I just think he's a no brainer to start. Doesn't mean he needs to play 30mpg, but let him get his reps with the starters and see how he does. Celts need him to be that guy in order to reach their potential as a team.

Romeo: Unlike Pritchard & Nesmith, I don't think Romeo has quite figured out who he's going to be as a player/contributor at the NBA level yet. Part of that is a lack of playing time due to injuries. You're talking about Mr Basketball in Indiana. Go-to guy in his lone season at IU. Now he's being asked to change who he is, and rightfully so because he isn't ever going to be a star caliber player (I don't think). But he is talented, has a good wing span, and has potential to develop into a lock down defender, secondary ball handler, and useful player. He just needs to accept that and then go out and make it difficult for Ime to take him off the court. Developing a respectable corner 3 would help his case for time too...

Yam/Begarin: Ideally, they both stay overseas and get another year of playing heavy minutes and developing. Both talented, both could be the equivalent of bringing in a lottery pick if they keep improving overseas.

Hauser: MY GUY! I've been saying for YEARS that Boston needs a Korver type. A specialist. Danny just never found that guy. I'm not even sure if he attempted to find that guy. But wouldn't you rather have a 3pt specialist at the end of the bench then a player like Edwards who's better suited to be a featured scorer in Europe? I know I would. I'm rooting for this kid. I can absolutely see him as a specialist that can come in and make shots in short minutes. And who knows, maybe he's so good shooting that he can expand his role some.

Bruno: Looks as advertised. Depth Center. He's physical and strong. Raw offensively. Wouldn't hurt you if you needed to play him in short minutes. Not expecting much from him as a guy like Kanter would eat him for lunch, and Kanter is our 3rd string center lol

[TH15]

Hot take: Pritchard/Nesmith looking like our Herro/Robinson with better defense

Nesmith/Pritchard have played good defense at summer league? I feel like they've been average at best at that end of the floor, probably a little below average.

Also, Pritchard and Nesmith are lighting up summer league. Robinson and Herro lit up the Celtics in the eastern conference finals. A little bit different but I am definitely encouraged by what I've seen offensively from pritchard/Nesmith.

Agreed, both duos have probably been about equal defensively, but I've gotta think Nesmith has the physical tools to be better than Robinson on D long term.

And I'm more saying our duo is the Summer League version of their duo. Should have made that clear but it was a hot take after all

I really love how they complement the Jays both positionally and with their elite shooting. If everyone reaches their potential a Pritchard/Nesmith/Brown/Tatum/Timelord lineup might conceivably get us there in a few years with a strong bench.

We have some pretty fun super Offense and Defense lineups too:

Pritchard
Nesmith
Brown
Tatum
Horford

Knockdown shooters at all positions with good ball movement.

Schroder
Smart
Richardson
Langford
Timelord

Is a very scrappy and switchy small ball defensive lineup. Obviously Romeo is not a pf but I wanted to put him in there because I think his D is legit.

My favorite play of SL so far was Romeo's angry throwdown. Too bad he has't been seen from since then. The last item on my SL wishlist is a breakout game from Langford. I'd also like to see Yam get to play a full game as our pg with the ball in his hands and see what he's really got. Looks like another year oversees building his body is more than warranted at this point.

[bisme37]

Hey not sure if you guys caught it but our very own Abby is a summer league sideline reporter for NBATV.

[Parliament10]

Hey not sure if you guys caught it but our very own Abby is a summer league sideline reporter for NBATV.

Yes. She mentioned a couple of days ago, that she was going out there to Vegas.