The Celtics unofficially started their title defense at the Vegas Summer League and lost their first game to the Heat 120-114. At yesterday’s practice, the summer squad talked about excelling in their expected roles they may take on with the big club…and maybe showcasing a little more what they can do on the floor.
The Celtics started many familiar names from last year’s championship team including JD Davison, Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and Jaden Springer. Joining them in the opening five was 30th overall pick Baylor Scheierman.
Scheierman started the game a little rusty and possibly nervous with bricks on his first two three-point attempts. His most transferable skill coming from five years at South Dakota State and Creighton to the NBA might be his shooting. He shot 39% overall and hit 3-of-7 in his first taste of pro ball.
However, it was his passing and overall feel for the game that was on display against the Heat. Scheierman showed a feel and patience as a passer, letting angles and lanes develop before delivering the dish. He finished the game with six assists, working out of the middle of the floor and semi-transition. The Celtics didn’t exactly have that type of player in the second unit last year.
The real revelations on Saturday afternoon came from JD Davison, Jaden Springer, and Neemias Queta.
After being drafted at #53 in 2022, Davison has spent the last two years in Boston on two-way contracts. Last year in Maine, the 22-year-old averaged 20.8 points and 8.6 assists for the G League affiliate and his development sparkled this afternoon. In his third trip to Vegas, he opened nearly perfect from the field on 6-for-7 shooting. It was a nice mix of perimeter shooting (3-for-3 from 3) and and in-between game for the point guard. He also finished with seven assists and four turnovers.
Springer, who came to the Celtics from the 76ers at last season’s trade deadline for their 2024 second round pick, has been billed as a defensive stopper, but he was so much more against Miami. He led the team with 23 points as a bull-headed scorer, hitting half of his six three-point attempts with six assists and two steals.
Queta signed a three-year contract with the team this summer and looks to be an energy shifter off the bench. His springiness was on display on the Strip with 20 points, nine rebounds (with six off the offensive glass), and a block.
Boston’s second round pick Anton Watson finished with 8 points and two rebounds. Walsh and Drew Peterson chipped in four each.
The Celtics will continue their Summer League schedule on Monday vs. the Lakers at 4:30 pm EST.
