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Although the wait has been shorter than usual, Celtics basketball is back again on Saturday afternoon when Boston begins its 2022 Las Vegas Summer League campaign.
While few rostered players are participating, the Summer Celtics will offer fans a better look at some of their young talent and potential lineup additions who could bolster Boston's NBA Finals-caliber squad. Additionally, familiar foes in the Celtics' Summer League schedule make for intriguing matchups in which Boston could showcase its future against top opponents.
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Celtics 2022 NBA Last Vegas Summer League Preview
NBA Playoffs redux
After falling to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals less than a month ago, the Celtics will get a chance for revenge against the reigning champs in the third game of their Summer League schedule.
Conversely, Boston's other matchups in Las Vegas on July 9th and 11th are against teams they knocked out of the 2022 playoffs. The Celtics tip off Summer League action versus the Miami Heat and then take on the Milwaukee Bucks a few days later.
These rematches will not feature the same stars on the court, yet they provide Boston with an interesting test.
Miami is well-known for its player development, many of the Warriors' key players are homegrown, and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo–arguably the best in the NBA currently–went from humble beginnings in the Summer League to superstardom.
So, all these teams will be contending for a championship in 2023 and have proven that they know how to locate and develop youthful talent. But can the Celtics claim the same when their drafting track record over the past few years has looked spotty? Vegas could be where Boston proves it deserves praise for its player development, too.
Potential up-and-comers on display
For many teams, the Summer League will be a chance for younger guys to get their first crack at minutes against NBA, or NBA-caliber, athletes. For Boston, Vegas may play out very similarly.
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2022 draft pick JD Davison is someone Celtics fans have to look forward to, as his electrifying play could result in an emphatic dunk or two.
A quick break from college football because you have to see this electric JD Davison dunk to finish off Gonzaga pic.twitter.com/OcKbMR9RiJ
— Aaron Torres Sports Podcast (@AaronTorresPod) December 5, 2021
More importantly, Davison's ballhandling abilities will be put to the test. At Alabama, the point guard struggled with turnovers and a facilitator who cannot take care of the ball is the last thing the turnover-happy Celtics need. Vegas will provide a solid gauge for how much fans can expect of Davison in the upcoming season.
As for the rest of the C's, 2021 draft pick Juhann Begarin is coming back to the Summer League after playing abroad in France. The athletic shooting guard has yet to play any NBA minutes so Vegas might be his last opportunity to prove his worth to the Celtics.
And even though they did not hear their names called on draft night, A.J. Reeves and Trevion Williams are two college standouts who are fighting for a camp invite.
Reeves, a Boston local, started every year for Providence College and is a solid defensive guard who has room for improvement. Meanwhile, Williams is a 6-foot-9 big man from Purdue who not only dominates the glass, but also passes effectively.
No matter which rookie sticks with Boston for the long haul, it'll be entertaining to watch them duke it out for a spot on the final roster.
The Sam Hauser showcase
Now for the only Celtic in the Summer League with a guaranteed place on the roster: undrafted small forward Sam Hauser.
The sharp-shooter was a part of the Maine Celtics for most of his rookie season, but after recently agreeing to a three-year deal he seems to be stepping into a bigger role for the C's.
Sam Hauser after Juhann Begarin gets buried by the (maybe moving) screen. pic.twitter.com/IwbE7QtTkF
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) July 5, 2022
Summer League play is where Hauser can demonstrate whether or not he's earned this new contract. Thus far he has acted mainly as a catch-and-shoot guy for Boston, however, with increased minutes on this Summer League squad, Hauser will have more room to operate. Hopefully, his time in Vegas will prove fruitful and reveal his potential to provide much-needed offensive support off the bench during the regular season.
Overall, Summer League competition will be worth tuning into for Celtics fans. It could be a preview of their long-term future as well as a spotlight on rookies looking to make an immediate impact and help Boston get back to the Finals.
