The state of the Celtics seems to be in constant flux, and in the face of so much change, Danny Ainge went with a familiar type of player in Romeo Langford at 14th overall.
Langford is a 6'6 wing from Indiana that flashes an all-around game, highlighted by defensive potential and an inconsistent jump shot. Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier and Jaylen brown all had similar draft profiles when Ainge took a chance on each of their uncertain ceilings. After the draft Thursday night, Ainge expressed his excitement for his latest wing to deploy in Brad Stevens' system.
"Romeo is a really good player," Ainge said. "A 19-year-old kid that was one of the best players in the Big-10 this year."
Langford averaged 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists to go along with 44.8/27.2/72.2 shooting splits. He earned himself an All-Big-10 selection and spot on the Big-10 All-Freshman team. Langford is a strong finisher around the basket with potential as a reliable shot creator if he can figure out his jump shot, which Ainge doesn't seem to be worried about.
"He’s a versatile player, all-around, both ends of the court," he said. "Didn’t shoot the ball as great this year, he was playing with a messed up thumb and had surgery on it."
The messed up thumb Ainge is referring to was a torn ligament in his right thumb, which happens to be his shooting hand. Langford underwent surgery and expects to play in Summer League. Ainge said he wasn't worried about the thumb long term.
It's hard not to notice Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward on the roster that will likely split time with Langford in some capacity. The rookie will have to earn every minute he gets, but even if he has to share time with the Celtics' main wing players, it's never a bad thing to have an abundance of wings. Langford's playmaking ability may fit in perfectly with players like Tatum and Brown years down the road.
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"Just a good ‘feel’ player (who) can pass, dribble and really defend multiple positions. I’m excited about him," Ainge said.
Celtics fans will get their first glimpse of Langford at the NBA's Summer League, starting July 5 in Las Vegas where he'll play with the other three Boston draft picks and second-year big Robert Williams.
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