Boston Celtics Summer League Scouting Report

Expected More

This group is for the players who had high expectations entering the Summer League but have yet to deliver.

Jordan Walsh: 

Jordan Walsh was selected in the second-round of last year’s draft after multiple trade backs from Brad Stevens to accumulate more draft picks. Walsh showed out in Summer League last year and earned himself a standard deal. Entering Summer League this season, Celtics nation had high expectations for the Arkansas alum. So far, Walsh has struggled through Summer League. Not only is his shot not falling, but his decision-making has drawn some red flags. For now, Walsh needs more time to develop in Maine before he can contribute to the Celtics.

The Risers

This group is dedicated to players who have shown out in Summer League. With a promising Summer League, these players could put themselves in a position to have their names called in the regular season and beyond. 

Neemias Queta: 

Neemias Queta was not only one of the Celtics' best players in the G-League last season, but he served as quality big man depth last season. The former Utah State center showed enough to earn a standard deal at the end of the regular season. In turn, Queta was re-signed to a long-term contract to stay in Boston at the start of free agency. And through the beginning of summer league play in Las Vegas, Queta has looked too good for the competition. With Kristaps Porzingis recovering from injury, Queta could be in the rotation to start the season and earn a more significant role beyond. 

Jaden Springer: 

Jaden Springer was acquired by the Celtics at the trade deadline last offseason. With ties to assistant coach Sam Cassell, Springer was considered a player with high potential but needed some time to develop. Brad Stevens opted to take on the challenge and let Springer, who has shown flashes of elite defense, learn under the best defensive backcourt in the league. So far in Summer League, Springer has demonstrated he has as much to offer on offense as he does on defense. His defense could get him minutes on the floor, and an improved offense could keep him on the floor for the C’s next season. 

The Rookies

This group is for the rookies that the Celtics drafted.

Baylor Scheierman: 

Baylor Scheierman was selected by the Celtics with pick No. 30 in this year’s draft. The Creighton star became Brad Stevens's first selection in the first round of the draft. The versatile forward brings his impressive shooting skills and ability to create for others in Boston, where he hopes to crack the team's rotation after inking a standard deal. However, through three games in Summer League, Scheierman has struggled to find his shot and show the ability he was drafted for. Fortunately, a shooting slump is the last thing the C’s will be worried about from Scheierman. At 23, the six-foot-six playmaker brings experience and a high basketball IQ, which should bode well for him entering next season. 

Anton Watson: 

Anton Watson is another player who spent an extra year at the college level. The Gonzaga product has shown his ability to stretch the floor and defend at a high level. And that’s part of the reason the Celtics took Watson in the second round of the draft. Brad Stevens said he believes Watson can shoot from three a lot better than people realize, and he encourages the rookie to shoot confidently. He’s done that through Summer League while showing his ability to defend and fill the lanes effectively. Playing off the ball correctly will get Watson a chance in the league, especially in Boston. 

The Hopefuls

This group is for the players who have yet to get their chance on an active roster.

JD Davison:

JD Davison was selected in the second round by the Celtics in 2022. The talented guard has spent multiple seasons in the G-League for the C’s, showing the potential that influenced the team to take a shot on him. However, the raw prospect hasn’t shown enough to be signed to the active roster, primarily due to the depth already in the backcourt for the Celtics. Nonetheless, Davison signed a two-way deal with the team in hopes of continuing to develop and finally earning his shot in the NBA. And through the first few games of summer league, the Alabama alum has shown signs of an improved jumper while slowing down the game, something the C’s hoped he could develop alongside his playmaking. Now, Davison has to prove he can do it consistently against the best players in the world. 

Drew Peterson: 

The Celtics signed Drew Peterson to a two-way contract where the forward showed his versatility. Peterson can shoot the ball well and be a playmaker. With his size, he has the tools to be an underrated role player. If he can improve his defense, he could be a sneaky addition to the roster, and he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his improvements in the G-League for Maine this season. 

Expected More

This group is for the players who had high expectations entering the Summer League but have yet to deliver.

Jordan Walsh: 

Jordan Walsh was selected in the second-round of last year’s draft after multiple trade backs from Brad Stevens to accumulate more draft picks. Walsh showed out in Summer League last year and earned himself a standard deal. Entering Summer League this season, Celtics nation had high expectations for the Arkansas alum. So far, Walsh has struggled through Summer League. Not only is his shot not falling, but his decision-making has drawn some red flags. For now, Walsh needs more time to develop in Maine before he can contribute to the Celtics.