Romeo Langford Thread

[Celtics_History_Lesson]

Jaylen Brown

Outrageously awful turnover percentage.

No semblance of a handle

No evidence of BBIQ.

.

Actually saw this just a few months ago.



M Smart was drafted, Rondo was around:

The Celtics drafted Marcus Smart, but Ainge vowed that did not mark a Rondo trade inevitable.

Asked if he intends to go forward with Rondo, Ainge replied with one word: “Yes.”

You draft a 6-6 shooting guard with Tatum, Hayward and Brown already on the roster?

Waiting for one of those to be traded, and it better be the one who shoots free throws at 60%.


There is no way Romeo will be playing point guard for Boston. He can't do it, and there are no minutes now anyway. he is a shooting guard.

There are also no Romeo trade rumors.



Can give credit to Romeo, for consistency.

His bored to be drafted to Boston interviews were not that, he seems bored and disinterested in every interview he has done for several years. Just the way he is, hopefully it is quiet achievement like Chief and not some sort of Joe Forte annoyance.

[ermocrate]

He finishes below the rim more often too. Much niftier when he gets there though

I agree they’re different in the air but almost everything they do on the ground looks really similar to me. Not at all surprised if Danny’s not planning on maxing out JB (is trade for a big) and was tempted to have a back up plan.

I don't see much JB in him honestly other than their freshman struggles (which for whatever reason hurt Romeo's stock a lot more than Jaylen, even though Jaylen's were arguably more severe). JB is a secondary slasher, a guy who depends on either mismatches or a dislocated D (in transition or off of someone else's penetration) to unlock his speed and power based rim assaults. To that, he's added a spot-up 3-point jumper to allow him to coexist more happily with the ballhandlers he needs to be most successful.

Romeo is a primary slasher and scorer, a guy who initiates the dislocation of the defense as the PNR ballhandler or perimeter iso guy. He doesn't rely on mismatches so much as good floor spacing and good screeners and then when he gets his step he's got more weapons in his scoring arsenal, including stepbacks, pull-ups and floaters.

I think Romeo might have a tougher initial road to usefulness than Jaylen, because he's less comfortable off-ball (whereas Jaylen was very wild on-ball) and it's harder for a rookie to get touches as the main point of attack.

Think young Larry Hughes or John Salmons (I think that was Gomes' comp) or Joe Johnson vs Brown's Richard Jefferson style game.

Well, I see them as very similar in the premises, they both started as regular slasher guards/wings, while JB has more strength non his slashing, Romeo is more crafty... Both started with a good defensive potential and both had to add a more consistent 3pt shot. Jaylen is 3 years ahead of him in his development but I feel that Romeo can close that gap not in a huge amount of time. Overall O like the fact he seems to have more self awareness.

[m haynes]

Ain't gonna lie, of all the picks this one worries me the most. Actually the others don't worry me at all.

If I'm nitpicking I'm not a fan of his real nonchalant personality and approach to the game, particularly when it comes to defense and playing off the ball. Hard to say the thumb affected his shooting much since we see him dunking with that hand a lot it can't be that bad. Wish I didn't have to question his motor, stuff like that irks me in prospects.

That said I'm not gonna kill Ainge for the selection since it can be argued there's a lot of value in this slot for a talent of his caliber.

Definitely not shipping Jaylen because of anything to do with Langford, hell no.

I agree 100% I saw a video that showed him off the ball and it was alarming to say the least. He was just standing there not in any postilion to make a play or contribute for that matter. Don't ask for the vid. I cant find it to save my life!

I think it was this video (starting at around 7:30 mark):

Watch on YouTube

;t=519s

Yup that's it. The move around the 9 min mark is a major concern. He has no clue or his brain shut down!

[cloverleaf]

I agree they’re different in the air but almost everything they do on the ground looks really similar to me. Not at all surprised if Danny’s not planning on maxing out JB (is trade for a big) and was tempted to have a back up plan.

I don't see much JB in him honestly other than their freshman struggles (which for whatever reason hurt Romeo's stock a lot more than Jaylen, even though Jaylen's were arguably more severe). JB is a secondary slasher, a guy who depends on either mismatches or a dislocated D (in transition or off of someone else's penetration) to unlock his speed and power based rim assaults. To that, he's added a spot-up 3-point jumper to allow him to coexist more happily with the ballhandlers he needs to be most successful.

Romeo is a primary slasher and scorer, a guy who initiates the dislocation of the defense as the PNR ballhandler or perimeter iso guy. He doesn't rely on mismatches so much as good floor spacing and good screeners and then when he gets his step he's got more weapons in his scoring arsenal, including stepbacks, pull-ups and floaters.

I think Romeo might have a tougher initial road to usefulness than Jaylen, because he's less comfortable off-ball (whereas Jaylen was very wild on-ball) and it's harder for a rookie to get touches as the main point of attack.

Think young Larry Hughes or John Salmons (I think that was Gomes' comp) or Joe Johnson vs Brown's Richard Jefferson style game.

Well, I see them as very similar in the premises, they both started as regular slasher guards/wings, while JB has more strength non his slashing, Romeo is more crafty... Both started with a good defensive potential and both had to add a more consistent 3pt shot. Jaylen is 3 years ahead of him in his development but I feel that Romeo can close that gap not in a huge amount of time. Overall O like the fact he seems to have more self awareness.

I agree with you in the big picture, but Romeo already has more feel for the game and BBIQ, with better handles and passing, than JB. (That shot though! I hope he gets it straightened out this summer.)

[Roddy]

I agree 100% I saw a video that showed him off the ball and it was alarming to say the least. He was just standing there not in any postilion to make a play or contribute for that matter. Don't ask for the vid. I cant find it to save my life!

I think it was this video (starting at around 7:30 mark):

Watch on YouTube

;t=519s

Yup that's it. The move around the 9 min mark is a major concern. He has no clue or his brain shut down!

This kind of thing is very fixable. Our coaching staff will spend hours watching games films and teaching him how and when to move without the ball.
Not a big concern to me.

[Bostonic33]

Huh. I noticed Romeo's shooting form appears to change from HS to College. Might explain his poor shooting...

[Half-Full]

I think it was this video (starting at around 7:30 mark):

Watch on YouTube

;t=519s

Yup that's it. The move around the 9 min mark is a major concern. He has no clue or his brain shut down!

This kind of thing is very fixable. Our coaching staff will spend hours watching games films and teaching him how and when to move without the ball.
Not a big concern to me.

I don't expect that Langford will be a fully formed player by any stretch, but even for a lottery pick, he looked pretty bad in that video. Didn't seem to be fully engaged. I hope it can be "very fixable," but while he may be skilled, I worry about a lack of fire. Floating/standing around on the court as in that video is an indicator to me that he lacks fire, and how is that fixable?

[m haynes]

Yup that's it. The move around the 9 min mark is a major concern. He has no clue or his brain shut down!

This kind of thing is very fixable. Our coaching staff will spend hours watching games films and teaching him how and when to move without the ball.
Not a big concern to me.

I don't expect that Langford will be a fully formed player by any stretch, but even for a lottery pick, he looked pretty bad in that video. Didn't seem to be fully engaged. I hope it can be "very fixable," but while he may be skilled, I worry about a lack of fire. Floating/standing around on the court as in that video is an indicator to me that he lacks fire, and how is that fixable?

Rudy Gay, Jeff Green syndrome! God I hope not.

[Jingles]

I don’t know why, but one thing people often don’t include in their analysis of an incoming rookie is how he will be affected by the increased spacing he’ll find. Langford seems like he has the skill set to thrive as a result, though the team is going to need to find enough passing and outside shooting to make that ideal spacing a reality.

[cloverleaf]

I don’t know why, but one thing people often don’t include in their analysis of an incoming rookie is how he will be affected by the increased spacing he’ll find. Langford seems like he has the skill set to thrive as a result, though the team is going to need to find enough passing and outside shooting to make that ideal spacing a reality.

Because the issues that others are posting concern over have nothing to do with spacing.

[Jingles]

I don’t know why, but one thing people often don’t include in their analysis of an incoming rookie is how he will be affected by the increased spacing he’ll find. Langford seems like he has the skill set to thrive as a result, though the team is going to need to find enough passing and outside shooting to make that ideal spacing a reality.

Because the issues that others are posting concern over have nothing to do with spacing.

I wasn’t responding to anyone in particular. Just noting that people in general don’t think about this aspect. Was the same deal with Jaylen, and that dude had probably the worst end to a college career you can have outside of injury.

As for the other stuff, college is a very small sample. Lets see what Marcus can do with him.

[24istheLAW]

I don't see much JB in him honestly other than their freshman struggles (which for whatever reason hurt Romeo's stock a lot more than Jaylen, even though Jaylen's were arguably more severe). JB is a secondary slasher, a guy who depends on either mismatches or a dislocated D (in transition or off of someone else's penetration) to unlock his speed and power based rim assaults. To that, he's added a spot-up 3-point jumper to allow him to coexist more happily with the ballhandlers he needs to be most successful.

Romeo is a primary slasher and scorer, a guy who initiates the dislocation of the defense as the PNR ballhandler or perimeter iso guy. He doesn't rely on mismatches so much as good floor spacing and good screeners and then when he gets his step he's got more weapons in his scoring arsenal, including stepbacks, pull-ups and floaters.

I think Romeo might have a tougher initial road to usefulness than Jaylen, because he's less comfortable off-ball (whereas Jaylen was very wild on-ball) and it's harder for a rookie to get touches as the main point of attack.

Think young Larry Hughes or John Salmons (I think that was Gomes' comp) or Joe Johnson vs Brown's Richard Jefferson style game.

Hello, police? I’d like to report a brutal beating: Slartibartfast’s analysis just kicked the crap out of my analysis!

I was being superficial — they move in a similar way. But everything you say is spot on (and I love your comps!), though it makes me sad: what gives with player development? I mean, how is Jaylen not in a gym running a hundred PnRs a day? I know he can dribble two basketballs at a time because in the summer you either hang out or train with old guys or hire someone to train you/make hype videos of you — but why isn’t it more under the control (or at least direction) of the team? What are the Cs paying him this year, maybe $10 million? And is it really just like ‘okay, work hard this summer it’d be cool if you worked on your free throws?’

I have no insight. I’m sure they need some mental and social and even physical time off. I’m sure stuff is probably more advanced than it used to be, at least with some franchises. But still, it’s like with diet for these guys on the road — seems like a significant gap in maximizing a team’s investment. I mean is Tatum out there with the hope that he’ll ‘come back stronger’ on his own?

Ball-handling seems to be one of the hardest skills to develop. There are weirdos like Jimmy Butler who will themselves into primary ballhandlers after starting out with the skill package of undersized PFs.

The theory I'm typing down directly from my butt is that it has a lot to do with center of gravity. The Jays are high hips, upright kinda guys. Exposes their handle to disruption and makes them shy about free-lancing under pressure. Whereas a guy like Jimmy plays lower to the ground and has an easier time stringing together compact moves.

Whatever the reason, some guys practice ballhandling and end up with martial arts style rehearsed moves which end up making them predictable and create tunnel vision moments whenever they start mashing buttons to unleash the combo. While others are able to make ball-handling more of a natural extension of their stride and can read and react to the defense as they go.

And Langford is a data point to this theory. Watch him slither around a pick, he's in react mode the whole time... and he plays very low to the ground.

Really exciting draft choice like last year. With Romeo's finishing ability and P&R competence, he could turn into a player who makes his teammates better offensively. And that low-to-the-ground balance shows up when he moves laterally on defense. He could get coached up to plus like Tatum on that side of the court.

To get that at FOURTEEN in a weak draft... we took Jaylen #3 overall. Great value.

[sam_I_am]

Jaylen was an NBA ready defender ... and a damn good one ... as a rookie. That enabled Brad to play him a lot when he needed to. Langford has got to become NBA ready as a defender and he has to improve his jump shot the way Jaylen did - even more-so I believe. I’m excited by his ability to create shots and get to rim. He’ll have to dish more so I hope he has that ability too. I can see him becoming a nice bench player come playoff time.

[GuyClinch]

Langford looks like a good pick. But obviously someone needs to go. Tatum is the guy that on the fence I think. Superstar or not? Lots of people thought he would be a superstar - after his rookie year. But obviously guys like Kyrie and Horford lean towards the not.
I suspect Ainge feels the same way - hence Romeo Langford.

The guys in the NBA get to go against our guys - and remain a decent source for actual talent evaluation. Remember when GS harshed on Hayward? Said he was a shadow of himself and was done.. Well.. I remember guys bashing on Rondo riding big 3 coattails.. Well..

I think overall the team will be fine though - Kemba Walker is exciting and Brad can coach young hungry guys. Lots of disappointment about not going for a championship this year. So to mean the Walker signing is a little weird. But hey it will be entertaining - and keep people coming to the Garden.

[sam_I_am]

Langford looks like a good pick. But obviously someone needs to go. Tatum is the guy that on the fence I think. Superstar or not? Lots of people thought he would be a superstar - after his rookie year. But obviously guys like Kyrie and Horford lean towards the not.
I suspect Ainge feels the same way - hence Romeo Langford.

The guys in the NBA get to go against our guys - and remain a decent source for actual talent evaluation. Remember when GS harshed on Hayward? Said he was a shadow of himself and was done.. Well.. I remember guys bashing on Rondo riding big 3 coattails.. Well..

I think overall the team will be fine though - Kemba Walker is exciting and Brad can coach young hungry guys. Lots of disappointment about not going for a championship this year. So to mean the Walker signing is a little weird. But hey it will be entertaining - and keep people coming to the Garden.

Interesting post but I don’t think you are completely correct about Tatum. It’s worrisome that Irving gave up on team. Did Horford really give up too or did Ainge low ball him? I don’t really know and nobody who does is talking. It may be that Tatum is a few years away and that is too long to wait for those guys. They may also have really given up on Hayward. Or Ainge and Brad.

Tatum is still an exciting prospect. He has length, hops, handles, and a beautiful shot with record setting 3 pt range at his age. Griffen would have taken a Celtics offer over any other if it meant getting Tatum. Team USA usually gets it right too. Your point about Rondo is well made but Tatum doesn’t have an Achilles heal - he can learn to pass and create - plenty of other black holes as youngsters like MJ, Pierce, and KD to name a few showed it’s possible.

If there is cause for concern with Tatum it may be his mental make up. He might be too passive to be a leader but I still believe it’s really a maturity and a confidence thing.

[Curmudgeon]

I keep saying it: Yabusele and the rights to Langford to Indiana for Sabonis.

[sam_I_am]

I keep saying it: Yabusele and the rights to Langford to Indiana for Sabonis.

Right there with you!

[cloverleaf]

Langford looks like a good pick. But obviously someone needs to go. Tatum is the guy that on the fence I think. Superstar or not? Lots of people thought he would be a superstar - after his rookie year. But obviously guys like Kyrie and Horford lean towards the not.
I suspect Ainge feels the same way - hence Romeo Langford.

The guys in the NBA get to go against our guys - and remain a decent source for actual talent evaluation. Remember when GS harshed on Hayward? Said he was a shadow of himself and was done.. Well.. I remember guys bashing on Rondo riding big 3 coattails.. Well..

I think overall the team will be fine though - Kemba Walker is exciting and Brad can coach young hungry guys. Lots of disappointment about not going for a championship this year. So to mean the Walker signing is a little weird. But hey it will be entertaining - and keep people coming to the Garden.

Interesting post but I don’t think you are completely correct about Tatum. It’s worrisome that Irving gave up on team. Did Horford really give up too or did Ainge low ball him? I don’t really know and nobody who does is talking. It may be that Tatum is a few years away and that is too long to wait for those guys. They may also have really given up on Hayward. Or Ainge and Brad.

Tatum is still an exciting prospect. He has length, hops, handles, and a beautiful shot with record setting 3 pt range at his age. Griffen would have taken a Celtics offer over any other if it meant getting Tatum. Team USA usually gets it right too. Your point about Rondo is well made but Tatum doesn’t have an Achilles heal - he can learn to pass and create - plenty of other black holes as youngsters like MJ, Pierce, and KD to name a few showed it’s possible.

If there is cause for concern with Tatum it may be his mental make up. He might be too passive to be a leader but I still believe it’s really a maturity and a confidence thing.

May just be that Danny was more prudent than to wildly overpay and overextend Al. With Kyrie gone, Al decided to go for the money. Who knows, with Kemba in and a possible triple-axle, double toe-loop, quadruple-lutz, sachow jump on Danny's part to bring him back, perhaps Al would be in for contending with a lesser deal? Probably not. But if Danny can stick that jump he should have more flexibility anyway.

[cloverleaf]

Langford looks like a good pick. But obviously someone needs to go. Tatum is the guy that on the fence I think. Superstar or not? Lots of people thought he would be a superstar - after his rookie year. But obviously guys like Kyrie and Horford lean towards the not.
I suspect Ainge feels the same way - hence Romeo Langford.

The guys in the NBA get to go against our guys - and remain a decent source for actual talent evaluation. Remember when GS harshed on Hayward? Said he was a shadow of himself and was done.. Well.. I remember guys bashing on Rondo riding big 3 coattails.. Well..

I think overall the team will be fine though - Kemba Walker is exciting and Brad can coach young hungry guys. Lots of disappointment about not going for a championship this year. So to mean the Walker signing is a little weird. But hey it will be entertaining - and keep people coming to the Garden.

Interesting post but I don’t think you are completely correct about Tatum. It’s worrisome that Irving gave up on team. Did Horford really give up too or did Ainge low ball him? I don’t really know and nobody who does is talking. It may be that Tatum is a few years away and that is too long to wait for those guys. They may also have really given up on Hayward. Or Ainge and Brad.

Tatum is still an exciting prospect. He has length, hops, handles, and a beautiful shot with record setting 3 pt range at his age. Griffen would have taken a Celtics offer over any other if it meant getting Tatum. Team USA usually gets it right too. Your point about Rondo is well made but Tatum doesn’t have an Achilles heal - he can learn to pass and create - plenty of other black holes as youngsters like MJ, Pierce, and KD to name a few showed it’s possible.

If there is cause for concern with Tatum it may be his mental make up. He might be too passive to be a leader but I still believe it’s really a maturity and a confidence thing.

Langford is no Tatum.

[celticfan42487]

This kind of thing is very fixable. Our coaching staff will spend hours watching games films and teaching him how and when to move without the ball.
Not a big concern to me.

I don't expect that Langford will be a fully formed player by any stretch, but even for a lottery pick, he looked pretty bad in that video. Didn't seem to be fully engaged. I hope it can be "very fixable," but while he may be skilled, I worry about a lack of fire. Floating/standing around on the court as in that video is an indicator to me that he lacks fire, and how is that fixable?

Rudy Gay, Jeff Green syndrome! God I hope not.

One of Langford's biggest knocks is he doesn't care at all about basketball.

He doesn't put effort in on offense or defense, shies away from contact.

He shot like *** from 3 last year and loves being an ISO black hole inefficient player.

He kind of has all the qualities of the typical person who was born talented to make it to the NBA but has 0 drive and as a NBA fan you absolutely end up hating having on your team. (on another team he doesn't make that big of an impact beyond being a chucker).

This pick is a lot like when Ainge drafted James Young. Someone who could flame out easiely after his rookie contract but is worth taking with a pick just in case he gets a heart transplant imo.

We shouldn't put any expectations on him being in the rotation or making an impact this season, imho.

I also think if Ainge knew Kemba was coming he would have thrown this dart in a different area. Withou Kemba Langford might have been a risk worth taking and hoping he becomes an ET like player or just another sparkplug off the bench like Carson Edwards who jacks his way into some kind of minutes for an offense starved team.