With Nathan Knight being waived, the Boston Celtics now have an open two-way spot. JD Davison and Neemias Queta refill two, however the Celtics might look so as to add a 3rd man with a purpose to maximize their developmental system, which has churned out some strong prospects over the previous few years.
The G League season is totally underway, and it’s filled with unsigned gamers who’re undoubtedly desperate to get their probability to make it within the NBA.
Listed below are a couple of names to regulate because the Celtics seek for a brand new two-way man, as all of those gamers have been performing nicely within the G League so far:
***All stats are as of Tuesday, December 12
Scottie Pippen Jr.
23 y/o | G | 6-foot-1 | South Bay Lakers
Stats: 21.5 PTS, 4.7 REB, 5.8 AST, 2.1 STL, 0.9 BLK, 50.6% FG, 38.6% 3PT
The guard has made strides this season, as his effectivity is up throughout the board from his first season within the G League. A top quality defensive level guard, Pippen Jr. might present some wholesome competitors for JD Davison on the Maine Celtics, in addition to a pleasant change of tempo on the defensive finish.
David Duke Jr.
24 y/o| G | 6-foot-4 | Delaware Blue Coats
Stats: 21.5 PTS, 5.5 REB, 3.7 AST, 0.9 STL, 0.4 BLK, 42.6% FG, 38.8% 3PT
Duke has been a strong contributor throughout the Brooklyn Nets’ system for the previous two years however, like Pippen Jr., was not picked up on a two-way take care of them this yr. He’s been strong within the G League and may very well be one other high quality all-around offensive possibility for the Celtics to develop. He’s additionally considerably of an area, hailing from Windfall, Rhode Island, and attending Windfall School.
Justin Champagnie
22 y/o | F | 6-foot-8 | Sioux Fall Skyforce
Stats: 21.8 PTS, 9.8 REB, 2.4 AST, 2.3 STL, 1.3 BLK, 48.6% FG, 19.0% 3PT
After spending the latter portion of final season, in addition to Summer time League, with the Celtics, Champagnie was picked up by the Miami Warmth to play for his or her G League squad. He’s an incredible rebounder for his place, and he drives the ball nicely, however his three-point capturing continues to be subpar.
Ethan Thompson
24 y/o | G | 6-foot-5 | Mexico Metropolis Capitanes
Stats: 20.1 PTS, 5.1 REB, 3.5 AST, 1.3 STL, 0.6 BLK, 45.5% FG, 39.4% 3PT
One other guard with strong measurement, Thompson spent two years with the Windy Metropolis Bulls earlier than becoming a member of the Mexico Metropolis Capitanes this yr. His capturing has steadily improved in every of the three seasons he’s spent within the G League.
Hunter Maldonado
24 y/o| G | 6-foot-6 | Oklahoma Metropolis Blue
Stats: 15.9 PTS, 4.6 REB, 5.1 AST, 0.9 STL, 51.5% FG, 45.5% 3PT
Maldanado, primarily a two-guard, spent six years in school with Wyoming earlier than becoming a member of the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s G League group this yr. He wasn’t a constant three-point shooter in school, however he’s proven enchancment this yr. At his measurement, Maldanado prefers to work contained in the arc.
Jahmi’us Ramsey
22 y/o | G | 6-foot-3 | Oklahoma Metropolis Blue
Stats: 17.4 PTS, 7.0 REB, 3.1 AST, 0.8 STL, 0.4 BLK, 48.5% FG, 39.5% 3PT
Ramsey spent a few seasons with the Sacramento Kings to begin his profession however now performs for the Blue within the G League. He’s an athletic guard who will get up on the boards. Coming into the league, Ramsey was heralded for his isolation scorer, and his three-point effectivity has taken an enormous leap this yr.
Maozinha Pereira
23 y/o | F | 6-foot-8 | Mexico Metropolis Capitanes
Stats: 13.8 PTS, 10.9 REB, 1.5 AST, 1.3 STL, 1.9 BLK, 66.7% FG
A non-shooter, Pereira makes his influence in and across the paint for the Mexico Metropolis Capitanes. He makes use of spectacular athleticism to thrive off cuts, dunks, and drives. As well as, his defensive instincts are strong, as he’s in a position to persistently make an influence on the rim and minimize off passing lanes. That stated, he’s a bit undersized for the middle place, and he can’t shoot, so the Celtics must discover distinctive methods to make use of him, even when it have been simply in a developmental position.
Jordan Schakel
25 y/o | G | 6-foot-6 | Maine Celtics
Stats: 13.5 PTS, 5.1 REB, 1.4 AST, 0.7 STL, 44.9% FG, 42.9% 3PT
Schakel joined the Maine Celtics this summer season. The 25-year-old is a pure sharpshooter who has persistently been top-of-the-line high-volume shooters within the G League. There are some questions defensively, but when the Celtics need to develop one other three-point specialist, a la Sam Hauser, Schakel may very well be an apparent, in-house possibility.
DJ Steward
22/yo | G | 6-foot-2 | Maine Celtics
Stats: 19.2 PTS, 6.1 REB, 6.1 AST, 0.9 STL, 47.5% FG, 33.8% 3PT
Steward gave the impression to be in line for a two-way spot with the Celtics earlier than Knight grew to become accessible. He made it far with the group in coaching camp, so familiarity might play an element. He’s not the very best on protection as a consequence of his measurement, and he wants to enhance on his decision-making a bit, however he’s acquired a fairly fluid sport on the guard place.l
Miye Oni
26 y/o | G | 6-foot-5 | Osceola Magic
Stats: 13.8 PTS, 6.2 REB, 4.2 AST, 1.0 STl, 0.4 BLK, 42.5% FG, 45.2% 3PT
Having spent three years with the Utah Jazz, Miye Oni matches the invoice of a comparatively skilled participant the Celtics might look to present a second probability. He additionally spent thee years at Yale, so he’s been enjoying at a excessive stage for years. He’s acquired good measurement for a guard and may very well be an intriguing mix of untapped potential and expertise.
Aleem Ford
25 y/o | F | 6-foot-8 | Cleveland Cost
Stats: 10.7 PTS, 6.9 REB, 1.4 AST, 1.0 STL, 0.8 BLK, 43.8% FG, 39.3% 3PT
Although he wasn’t an elite three-point shooter in school at Wisconsin, Ford has shot it nicely from distance this yr on 6.8 makes an attempt per sport. It’s his third yr within the G League, as he spent his first two years with the South Bay Lakers. His athletic skill has shone via in any respect ranges, and if his three-point capturing totally comes round, he may very well be an intriguing 3-and-D developmental piece.
Mouhamadou Gueye
25 y/o | 6-foot-9 | Raptors 905
Stats: 15.6 PTS, 8.3 REB, 1.6 AST, 3.0 BLK, 60.0% FG, 25.0% 3PT
Although he’s a bit undersized, Gueye’s athleticism helps him across the rim, as he’s at the moment tied for third within the G League in blocks per sport. His three-point shot is lagging behind a bit, however he’s nonetheless taking 1.8 per sport. If the Celtics need to exchange Knight with one other large man, Gueye’s sport might match the invoice.
