HYDE PARK — On a rainy Tuesday afternoon at the Thomas M. Menino YMCA, dozens of kids inundated a freshly-renovated basketball court. The sound of squeaking shoes and bouncing rubbery basketballs permeated the six-hoop gymnasium, all while community leaders stood on the sideline to watch.
The kids — overwhelmingly local elementary school students — eagerly awaited the arrival of a Celtics player who would help punctuate the announcement of the community center’s new gym. Lucky, the Celtics’ long-time team mascot, entertained the kids in anticipation of the guest of honor, as did Kash Cannon, the Celtics’ Director for Community Engagement.
Finally, a grinning Jaden Springer entered the gym. Immediately, the 22-year-old guard was greeted by a chorus of raucous cheers, receiving a hero’s welcome.
Here at the Menino YMCA in Hyde Park, MA today, where Jaden Springer is helping unveil a newly renovated indoor basketball court as part of a partnership between New Balance and the Celtics pic.twitter.com/pZsGewpnHo
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) November 26, 2024
For the ensuing 45 minutes, Springer spearheaded dribbling and shooting competitions, making the rounds from basket to basket and assisting kids of all ages.
“It means a lot,” Springer said of the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the YMCA. “Coming out here, seeing all the kids, the smiles on their faces, everybody having fun and getting better — it’s pretty cool.”
Springer, who was traded to the Celtics from the 76ers last February, hasn’t seen many on-court opportunities in Boston. He’s played just 20 regular season minutes so far this year, after a solid single Summer League performance in which he posted a team-high 23 points.
But, in September, Springer made clear that he wouldn’t lose faith in the process even if the results weren’t immediate. He told CelticsBlog that he would simply stay focused on working hard, the details, and doing everything in his power to improve.
“Everybody’s got goals and aspirations, but all I can do is go out there and play as hard as I can, be a good teammate, and just be the best at whatever role they give me,” Springer said. “Some stuff, you can’t control. You just go out there and have fun, and I really feel like everything will work out.”
Two months into the season, Springer hasn’t received many in-game opportunities. He capitalized on a five-minute playing stint in a blowout win on Monday, but has mostly been out of the rotation this season.
Still, he has relished the experience of becoming an NBA champion — and everything that’s come with that. Last week, Springer and his Celtics teammates celebrated Banner 18 at the White House, the final celebratory activity from last year’s championship run.
“The best part has definitely been the championship, definitely winning,” Springer said. “The night itself, but everything that came with it — the parade, going to the White House, seeing the President, just living that moment, the ring ceremony — endless memories that we won’t ever forget.”
Since arriving in Boston last February, Springer has immersed himself with the Boston community, attending multiple community events such as Tuesday’s court unveiling.
This particular renovation — a result of a partnership between the Celtics organization and New Balance — marked the Celtics’ 126th renovation project. It was also the sixth time the two entities have collaborated on such a venture. Each time a court is unveiled, a different Celtics player typically appears.
Springer has done a few of these already, and each time, he’s able to form a deeper impression of Boston.
“Everybody seems like they’re pretty family-oriented over here,” Springer said. “Everybody knows everybody.”
They also know him; at the event’s conclusion, the kids began an impromptu line to take their photo with the 6’ 4 guard.
“Keep doing your thing,” said one, dapping up Springer before the two posed for a picture.
“You’re gonna kill it,” said another.
Springer said he enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with the youth.
“My favorite part is seeing all the kids laughing, smiling, having fun — just interacting with them.”
And, he’s confident that all of his hard off-court work will ultimately translate into NBA success, even if his time hasn’t yet come.
“You do all the right things, everything’s going to work out,” he said.
