Rookies & Red Claws = Theis, Ojeleye, Yabusele, Nader; (Allen, Bird)

[Parliament10]

http://gleague.nba.com/franchise-map/

4 expansion teams will debut this season. 26 teams in total. The Wizards have purchased a 27th, for 2018-19.




LIST OF NBA AFFILIATIONS

Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (LA Clippers)
Austin Spurs (San Antonio Spurs)
Canton Charge (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Delaware 87ers (Philadelphia 76ers)
Erie BayHawks (Atlanta Hawks)
Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana Pacers)
Grand Rapids Drive (Detroit Pistons)
Greensboro Swarm (Charlotte Hornets)
Iowa Wolves (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Lakeland Magic (Orlando Magic)
Long Island Nets (Brooklyn Nets)
Maine Red Claws (Boston Celtics)
Memphis Hustle (Memphis Grizzlies)
Northern Arizona Suns (Phoenix Suns)
Oklahoma City Blue (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Raptors 905 (Toronto Raptors)
Reno Bighorns (Sacramento Kings)
Rio Grande Valley Vipers (Houston Rockets)
Salt Lake City Stars (Utah Jazz)
Santa Cruz Warriors (Golden State Warriors)
Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami Heat)
South Bay Lakers (Los Angeles Lakers)
Texas Legends (Dallas Mavericks)
Westchester Knicks (New York Knicks)
Windy City Bulls (Chicago Bulls)
Wisconsin Herd (Milwaukee Bucks)

EXPANSION

2018-19: Washington Wizards

__________________________________________________________________________________




NBA G League Key Dates – 2017-18. Season Tips Nov. 3
http://gleague.nba.com/news/2017-18-key-dates/

October 13: NBA Preseason ends
October 16: Rosters set for NBA Opening Day
October 17: Start of the 2017-18 NBA Regular Season (NBA Tip-Off 2017)
October 21: 2017 NBA G League Draft, 1 p.m.
October 23: NBA G League training camps open
October 23-November 1: NBA G League Preseason games

November 2: NBA G League 10-man opening day rosters set by 5 p.m.
November 3: 2017-18 NBA G League season tips off

__________________________________________________________________________________




NBA G League Announces Experimental Referee Testing And Rules Changes For 2017-18 Season
Official Release | October 4, 2017

http://gleague.nba.com/news/nba-g-league-announces-experimental-referee-testing-rules-changes-2017-18-season/

NEW YORK, Oct. 4, 2017 – The NBA G League announced today that four-person officiating crews will be used during the entire 2017 preseason and for all regular-season games in November. The testing follows similar experimentation last season, when nine regular-season games were officiated by either four- or five-person crews.

The league also announced a new four-round, 12-team playoff format. The team with the best regular-season record in each division automatically qualifies for the postseason as one of six “division winners.” The additional six playoff berths will be filled by the three “wild card” teams in each conference with the best regular-season records, other than the division winners.

The conferences will be seeded one through six, with the division winners owning the first, second and third seeds and the wild card teams occupying the fourth, fifth and sixth seeds based on regular-season records. The top two seeds in each conference will earn a bye into the second round. The playoffs will begin with three single-elimination rounds before culminating with a best-of-three NBA G League Finals, which will be played in a one-one-one format.

__________________________________________________________________________________














Red Claws Acquire Devin Williams
By Evans Boston | September 18, 2017

http://maine.gleague.nba.com/news/red-claws-acquire-devin-williams/
PORTLAND, Maine – September 18, 2017 – The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, announced today that the team has acquired the returning player rights to Devin Williams in a trade with the Greensboro Swarm.

In return, Greensboro receives the returning player rights to Coron Williams.

Devin Williams, a 6-9 forward out of West Virginia, played eight games for Greensboro last season, averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Prior to joining the NBA G League, Williams started the 2016-17 season overseas playing for Melbourne in the NBL (Australia).






RED CLAWS COMPLETE TRADE
By Evans Boston | September 26, 2017

http://maine.gleague.nba.com/news/red-claws-complete-trade/
Acquire Rights To Two Players From Canton

PORTLAND, Maine – September 25, 2017 – The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, announced today that the team has completed a trade with the Canton Charge, swapping rights to multiple players as well as draft picks.

The Red Claws receive the returning player rights to Jonathan Holmes and Daniel Coursey, as well as Canton’s original third round pick in the 2017 NBA G League Draft.

In return, Canton receives the returning player rights to Marcus Thornton, Arthur Edwards, Jalen Jones and Maine’s original second round selection in the 2017 NBA G League Draft.

Holmes (6-9, 242) is a forward and a product of the University of Texas. In 30 games last season with the Charge (20 starts), Holmes averaged 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. Holmes also played 10 games last season overseas for FC Barcelona Lassa (Spain). Holmes was on the Boston Celtics’ NBA Summer League roster in 2015-16, playing in eight games.






Brandon Bailey Named Head Coach Of The Maine Red Claws
By Evans Boston | October 6, 2017

http://maine.gleague.nba.com/news/brandon-bailey-hired/
Becomes Fifth Head Coach in Franchise History

PORTLAND, Maine – October 6, 2017 – The Maine Red Claws, presented by Unum, announced today that Brandon Bailey has been named the head coach of the Maine Red Claws. Bailey, who has been working with the Boston Celtics coaching staff for six years, becomes the fifth head coach in franchise history.

Bailey replaces Scott Morrison, who spent the last three seasons in Maine. Morrison has joined the Boston Celtics coaching staff as an assistant....

A Chicago native, Bailey has worked for the Celtics for the last six years. Working initially as a video intern under Doc Rivers, Bailey became a highly respected, defensive-minded member of Brad Stevens’ staff, working as head video coordinator for the Celtics as well as a scout over the past two seasons.

“We are excited for Brandon,” said Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens. “He’s a great coach who has prepared well for this opportunity. He is as hard of a worker as I’ve ever been around, and it shows in the way he teaches the game. The Red Claws are such an important part of our development program here in Boston, and we know that Brandon and his staff will enhance each of the players that come through.”





Maine Red Claws Schedule, 2017-18
http://gleague.nba.com/schedule/#/team/maine








__________________________________________________________________________________











#1 Jayson Tatum

Tatum was not the number one pick in the draft, but Danny Ainge made it known that he was the top player on the Celtics board. You do not get the best player in a draft and not have an already planned role for him.

He should expect to be the primary scorer on the second unit, and if the the defense comes around he will get time with the starters.

Of course he still has to prove himself. That being said, his leash will be longer. The Celtics will accept more problems from him before taking down his minutes, because they realize how high his ceiling could be.

It may end up being a Jaylen Brown type role from a season ago. Minutes will be inconsistent and the role will be largely undetermined. That being said, as he improves his minutes will increase, and by the end of the season he should have the most important role and biggest impact of any rookie on this team.













#3 Guerschon Yabusele

Yabusele is Ojeleye with a year of professional ball under his belt. It was overseas, but the Celtics have a much better idea of how good Yabusele can be, and he fits in quite similarly to how Ojeleye will.

The bottom line is that the Celtics will never have too many of these kinds of versatile bigs. Yabusele may take minutes away from Ojeleye and vise versa, but if the two of them are playing well then they will both be prominent options off the bench.

The Celtics need the versatility, they need the offense and they need the defense. Yabusele has a great chance to have a real impact on the second unit. And, if his versatility can improve throughout the season, he could see some small ball time with the starters.













#4 Semi Ojeleye

Ojeleye caught a lot of eyes in the summer league, and has quickly become a fan favorite for the Celtics. It is rare to see a second round pick contribute as a rookie, but there is too much momentum around Ojeleye to ignore right now.

After Stevens’ comments about his ability to guard the five position, Ojeleye looks like he could be the key to small ball on the second unit. With a completely revamped second unit front court, Ojeleye is the exact kind of player they are hoping will work out.

His defensive versatility may actually make him underrated on this list. In terms of getting roles as a rookie, one thing is more important than anything else for the Celtics, defense.













#5 Daniel Theis

It feels a bit different looking at Theis as a rookie. He is already an established player in Germany, and just brought home a defensive player of the year award. That being said, the Celtics will be giving him his first NBA experience, and he does two things that this team desperately needs: rim protection and outside shooting.

Theis can certainly provide floor spacing, and he does it while being a stellar interior presence. Obviously competition difference is the biggest concern. There is no doubt that Theis will have a difficult transition. That being said, if he brings some of that Europe success to the Celtics, then he should have a prominent role on the bench.

The Celtics certainly have the space for him in the second unit front court, but he is going to be a bit more difficult to gauge. What the Celtics need him to do will be a lot more difficult at the NBA level, and if he takes a while to adjust, you know there are multiple options right behind him that will look to take any minutes away as quickly as possible.













#6 Abdel Nader

Nader has been impressive in lower competitions. He has proven that he can excel over lesser competition, but he will need a lot more to have an impact on the Celtics this season.

He certainly is a solid fit for the Celtics. He is a versatile forward who can be dynamic on offense. The problem is that the Celtics have invested a lot of assets into that exact kind of player. Nader has not excelled in any one way well enough to set himself a part from the other competing for the similar role.

One advantage Nader has is a bit more trust. He has been around the franchise for a bit longer, and Stevens has a better idea of what he is capable of compared to other rookies fresh out of college or coming from overseas.













#7 Kadeem Allen

Allen was impressive enough to make the Celtics want to keep him around, but there is a lot working against him right now. The Celtics do not have a direct need for anything that Allen does, and there is incredible depth ahead of him.

Allen needs to be even more special than maybe anyone else to earn a roster spot. His draft position will make any kind of benefit of the doubt difficult to establish, and he needs to be special enough to make up for a lot of trust established by those ahead of him on the roster.

The Celtics have plenty of guards. If there is one thing they may need more of is pure ball handlers. Unfortunately, Allen has a long ways to go before he can be a trusted ball handler.













#8 Jabari Bird

The 6’6″ shooting guard out of California reportedly impressed team team officials with his summer league play. He was the 56th player taken in this year’s draft after averaging 14.1 points and 4.7 rebounds as a senior with the Golden Bears.










____________________________________________________________________________

Ranking Boston Celtics Rookie Chances
by Joshua Bateman | 07-22-17

https://hardwoodhoudini.com/2017/07/22/ranking-boston-celtics-rookie-chances/

[cloverleaf]

My guess on the ranking of impact for the rooks will be:

1) JT
2) AZ
3) SO
4) DT
5) GY
6) AN
7) KA

I think the first 3 will be regular rotation players. The next 2 situational, and the last 2 deep/emergency bench.

If they can real JB in on a two-way contract, I see him as surprisingly moving up to the situational level.

[OldCeltics]

good breakdown parliament

Sent from my SM-G930V using RealGM mobile app

[Parliament10]

good breakdown parliament

Sent from my SM-G930V using RealGM mobile app

I just took it from the article, listed at the bottom.

A lot of these guys are gonna be on the 3rd Squad, and spend plenty of time up in Maine, with the Red Claws.

[neno]

What about Bird?

[captain green]

#1 Jayson Tatum

Tatum was not the number one pick in the draft, but Danny Ainge made it known that he was the top player on the Celtics board. You do not get the best player in a draft and not have an already planned role for him.

He should expect to be the primary scorer on the second unit, and if the the defense comes around he will get time with the starters.

Of course he still has to prove himself. That being said, his leash will be longer. The Celtics will accept more problems from him before taking down his minutes, because they realize how high his ceiling could be.









#2 Ante Zizic

Zizic does not have the versatility of the two previous bigs, but he is the most NBA ready rookie on this team, and is the best chance the Celtics have at fixing their rebounding issues.

He has an outside chance at the starting lineup based on how badly they need rebounding. The reason Zizic is so high on the list is that it is hard to imagine him having no role. The Celtics have multiple options when it comes to versatile bigs. For traditional bigs out there primarily to rebound, Zizic has almost no competition.

If Zizic proves to just be a capable rebounder, then he will be getting minutes. If he can offer more than just rebounding, then he could break the 20 minutes per game plateau. The Celtics are going to have an odd rotation with their bigs this season, and Zizic could fit in a lot of different ways.













#3 Guerschon Yabusele

Yabusele is Ojeleye with a year of professional ball under his belt. It was overseas, but the Celtics have a much better idea of how good Yabusele can be, and he fits in quite similarly to how Ojeleye will.

The bottom line is that the Celtics will never have too many of these kinds of versatile bigs. Yabusele may take minutes away from Ojeleye and vise versa, but if the two of them are playing well then they will both be prominent options off the bench.

The Celtics need the versatility, they need the offense and they need the defense. Yabusele has a great chance to have a real impact on the second unit. And, if his versatility can improve throughout the season, he could see some small ball time with the starters.













#4 Semi Ojeleye

Ojeleye caught a lot of eyes in the summer league, and has quickly become a fan favorite for the Celtics. It is rare to see a second round pick contribute as a rookie, but there is too much momentum around Ojeleye to ignore right now.

After Stevens’ comments about his ability to guard the five position, Ojeleye looks like he could be the key to small ball on the second unit. With a completely revamped second unit front court, Ojeleye is the exact kind of player they are hoping will work out.

His defensive versatility may actually make him underrated on this list. In terms of getting roles as a rookie, one thing is more important than anything else for the Celtics, defense.













#5 Daniel Theis

It feels a bit different looking at Theis as a rookie. He is already an established player in Germany, and just brought home a defensive player of the year award. That being said, the Celtics will be giving him his first NBA experience, and he does two things that this team desperately needs: rim protection and outside shooting.

Theis can certainly provide floor spacing, and he does it while being a stellar interior presence. Obviously competition difference is the biggest concern. There is no doubt that Theis will have a difficult transition. That being said, if he brings some of that Europe success to the Celtics, then he should have a prominent role on the bench.

The Celtics certainly have the space for him in the second unit front court, but he is going to be a bit more difficult to gauge. What the Celtics need him to do will be a lot more difficult at the NBA level, and if he takes a while to adjust, you know there are multiple options right behind him that will look to take any minutes away as quickly as possible.













#6 Abdel Nader

Nader has been impressive in lower competitions. He has proven that he can excel over lesser competition, but he will need a lot more to have an impact on the Celtics this season.

He certainly is a solid fit for the Celtics. He is a versatile forward who can be dynamic on offense. The problem is that the Celtics have invested a lot of assets into that exact kind of player. Nader has not excelled in any one way well enough to set himself a part from the other competing for the similar role.

One advantage Nader has is a bit more trust. He has been around the franchise for a bit longer, and Stevens has a better idea of what he is capable of compared to other rookies fresh out of college or coming from overseas.













#7 Kadeem Allen

Allen was impressive enough to make the Celtics want to keep him around, but there is a lot working against him right now. The Celtics do not have a direct need for anything that Allen does, and there is incredible depth ahead of him.

Allen needs to be even more special than maybe anyone else to earn a roster spot. His draft position will make any kind of benefit of the doubt difficult to establish, and he needs to be special enough to make up for a lot of trust established by those ahead of him on the roster.

The Celtics have plenty of guards. If there is one thing they may need more of is pure ball handlers. Unfortunately, Allen has a long ways to go before he can be a trusted ball handler.










____________________________________________________________________________

Ranking Boston Celtics Rookie Chances
by Joshua Bateman | 07-22-17

https://hardwoodhoudini.com/2017/07/22/ranking-boston-celtics-rookie-chances/

Only thing I'd add is jabari birds impact and slightly disagree with semi and yabu being same player. Yes both have same kind stuff but to me yabu is hardest to define the style of his play ( I tend to think he has a rare game that could translate into something great. But other than that spot on.

[Jstock12]

Would be cool to bring in a former Celtic and a Croatian legend Dino Radja to help Zizic out. That dude had a ridiculous post-game.

[Celtic King]

Training camp and preseason games will be more than just interesting with so many capable rookies fighting for minutes. Other than Allen, who I think is the obvious man to go, all the others will believe they can contribute. Tatum is a lock to be a soon to be starter and a leader of the second unit. Zizic and Yabs being 1st rounders will be next on the expected to show and contribute, with the 2nd rounders including Nader fighting for the scraps. Theis is the one to watch to see where he can position himself as either the 3rd or 4th option as a centre. Horford and Baynes are the clear 1st options for playing the 5 dependent on matchups. Does Theis knock Zizic down to 4th option? Morris, Yabs and Ojeyle will all get minutes at the 4 and even maybe smallball 5.
Training camp and preseason games will be even more interesting than summer league. let the best men win.

[Parliament10]

Read on Twitter

[Elrod is Back]

Read on Twitter

That would make Maine well worth watching. Allen and Bird are the backcourt I assume. Of the 15 players on the team roster, at least two of them will play in Maine. Ojeleye, Nader, Yabusele, Theis and Zizic the obvious candidates for rotating to Maine. I think the team can only send two guys at a time to the G-League(not including the two-way contracts). Injuries will have a lot to say about who goes to Maine and who stays with the Cs.

EDIT_-The Cs can send three down at a time, not two. But to do more than two they have to have the player's and the union's permission.


From Larry Coon's FAQ on the CBA:

The NBA Developmental League (also known as the NBA D-League, G-League or NBADL) is a separate league run in affiliation with the NBA. An NBA team may assign its players (who are on standard NBA contracts) to its affiliated NBA D-League team as follows:
Years of Exp. Assignment rule
0-2 Can be assigned at any time
3+ Can be assigned if the player and the union consent.

If an active player on a standard NBA contract is assigned to the D-League, he is automatically placed on his NBA team's Inactive List. There is no minimum or maximum length of an NBA D-League assignment, and players have 48 hours to report to the NBA D-League team once they are assigned. Players continue to receive their NBA salary while assigned to the NBA D-League, but their performance in NBA D-League games does not count toward NBA incentives.

[Parliament10]

Read on Twitter

That would make Maine well worth watching. Allen and Bird are the backcourt I assume. Of the 15 players on the team roster, at least two of them will play in Maine. Ojeleye, Nader, Yabusele, Theis and Zizic the obvious candidates for rotating to Maine. I think the team can only send two guys at a time to the G-League(not including the two-way contracts). Injuries will have a lot to say about who goes to Maine and who stays with the Cs..

Actually, we can send up to 4 at once. No more than 2 at any position (PG, etc).

[Spin Move]

1. Tatum will likely get 15 to 20 mpg and he is the only rookie who will play a significant role........................2. Zizic has a chance for 5-10 mins a game of spot work, the acquisition of Baynes and Morris eat into his minutes. 3. Yabusle he is fast enough to switch the pick and roles as a small ball 5 and strong and long enough to guard most centers. He will get spot minutes. 4. Semi...his defense will get him on the floor some but with GH, JC, MM, JB, JT and MS all fighting for minutes at the 3/4 there are just not that many for him barrring an injury. Spends alot of time in the d-league, at the deadline once either Crowder or Morris is traded (just speculation) there may be some more minutes.

None of the rest will see the floor much at all.

[bigfoot_cryptozoology]

I expect at least two trades between now and the Deadline, so there will be less rookies and more minutes for those who survive
the consolidation and you have to factor in injuries to the main cast freeing up more time for the backups. And matchups...
Am wondering if the starting Bigs will be Baynes and Horford, in which case, plenty of minutes at Backup Center for Zizic
less minutes for Morris at PF. And Blowouts - there could be many more lopsided games this season than in seasons past, so more showcasing of the Bench Players than before. I expect Tatum, Zizic, Theis and one of Yabu/Semi to see playing time - the other
one and some of the other Rooks could go in Consolidation Deals/Trade for a Star. Whatever the case, this is the deepest Celtics
club in a long while with a sterling crop of Rookies.

[Curmudgeon]

There is real talent there, and I'm guessing that the real sleeper in that group is Yabusele, especially if he can hit the three pointer with consistency. He shot 42% from beyond the arc in his last year at Rouen, and 36% in China.

[Elrod is Back]

Agree in toto. When Jaylen Brown thinks someone is an athletic freak, it deserves our attention. He is the one who has the physical tools to be a dominant player, and who has shown no weaknesses that cannot be corrected. he may flame out soon enough, but the upside there is extremely high. The good news is that he seems to have his head very much together. Unless his basketball instincts and IQ are Jeff Greenian, that bodes very well for Yab's future.

[Parliament10]

Read on Twitter

That would make Maine well worth watching. Allen and Bird are the backcourt I assume. Of the 15 players on the team roster, at least two of them will play in Maine. Ojeleye, Nader, Yabusele, Theis and Zizic the obvious candidates for rotating to Maine. I think the team can only send two guys at a time to the G-League(not including the two-way contracts). Injuries will have a lot to say about who goes to Maine and who stays with the Cs.

EDIT_-The Cs can send three down at a time, not two. But to do more than two they have to have the player's and the union's permission.


From Larry Coon's FAQ on the CBA:

The NBA Developmental League (also known as the NBA D-League, G-League or NBADL) is a separate league run in affiliation with the NBA. An NBA team may assign its players (who are on standard NBA contracts) to its affiliated NBA D-League team as follows:
Years of Exp. Assignment rule
0-2 Can be assigned at any time
3+ Can be assigned if the player and the union consent.

If an active player on a standard NBA contract is assigned to the D-League, he is automatically placed on his NBA team's Inactive List. There is no minimum or maximum length of an NBA D-League assignment, and players have 48 hours to report to the NBA D-League team once they are assigned. Players continue to receive their NBA salary while assigned to the NBA D-League, but their performance in NBA D-League games does not count toward NBA incentives.

This is the amount years, a player is in the NBA.

The last check, as I said, was that 4 NBA Players could be sent down for Assignment at a time, from a single team. But, no more than 2 players at any one position.

[ConstableGeneva]

Read on Twitter

[FlatearthZorro]

I'm excited cause a few of our young guys will get very good amount of minutes and this was the plan all along. I feel like Tatum and Brown will get minutes. Ante eventually too, he's a longer, taller, younger Baynes in the making. The rest of the guys are gonna have to prove themselves during training camp. Very interesting to see how Yabu looks. I think he's the dark horse. He has a ton of potential and skill. He can probably be a small ball 5 with his length and strength.

[Sactowndog]

There is real talent there, and I'm guessing that the real sleeper in that group is Yabusele, especially if he can hit the three pointer with consistency. He shot 42% from beyond the arc in his last year at Rouen, and 36% in China.

Watched Yabs in Maine. He has incredible athleticism but currently a low basketball IQ and poor defense. I expect Yabs will get extended minutes in Maine to improve his awareness.

I also expect Nadar to get minutes as the team appears to be changing his role. He handled the ball quite a bit in Maine and some in the summer league. He has a strong ability to penetrate and, when he pulls his head up, can drive and dish to shooters.

[Sactowndog]

With 16 guaranteed contracts, Boston must send at least one player to Maine and will probably send 2. I expect Yabusele will be one and Nadar/Semi being the others.