Brad Stevens high on Celtics rookies in NBA Summer League

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LAS VEGAS -- The Celtics came into their Summer League game against Denver with an unblemished record because most of their rookie draft picks haven’t played like wide-eyed, nervous-Nellies when they stepped on the floor. 

Of course. the competition level will be much greater when facing real NBA teams and not its summer equivalents. 

But that hasn’t stopped coach Brad Stevens from being bullish on this rookie class, which includes a couple of players who may find themselves in the team’s regular rotation.

“You’re excited about the things you see that can translate to an NBA game,” Stevens said. “And there’s other things that won’t. So, I’m excited about what they bring to the table.” 

Second-round pick Carsen Edwards has been an electrifying scorer for the Celtics thus far this summer, seemingly getting to whatever spot he wants to when he needs to be there. 

It won’t come nearly as easy against better competition. 

But Stevens has seen enough to where it’s not a stretch to envision Edwards playing an important role off the bench. 

“Carsen has a chance to impact our team early because he obviously can make tough shots,” Stevens said. “He’s done a great job of picking the right ones, and he’s done a great job of picking up full and pressuring the ball.”

Stevens is also high on 5-foot-11 point guard Tremont Waters, who will spend most of next season with the Maine Red Claws on a two-way contract. 

“All the things that he does on the floor...the only thing you can ever say about him is he’s too small,” Stevens said. “He's super savvy. The game comes so easy to him on both ends. He gets his hands on every ball on defense, makes the right plays."

As for Grant Williams, Stevens said “Grant has been who Grant is; and that’s a steady guy who impacts winning. He’s one of the few that I think can change his game pretty dramatically and still impact winning.”

Boston’s top pick in last June’s NBA draft, Romeo Langford, has yet to suit up in Summer League while still on the mend with a thumb injury suffered while at Indiana. 

And then there’s...Tacko Fall. 

“I thought maybe you’d ask about him,” quipped Stevens. 

Stevens is on the Tacko bandwagon, too.

“What I love about Tacko, is he has the whole place buzzing and it doesn’t affect who he is,” Stevens said. “He’s got a wonderful humility about him.”

He added, “I really admire him. He walks into the building and everybody’s talking about him. He dunks, lands on his feet and everybody is still talking about him. My daughter and son are watching the games to watch him. But I admire all the things about him not only on the court but off.”

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