The Celtics held their first Summer League practice at the Auerbach Center on Saturday. Jordan Walsh, a rookie, characterized it as having “way more competition stuff than I expected it to be, which made it even more fun for me.” Just being able to get up and down and play with those guys and get a feel for them; that was an incredible first day.” The former Arkansas Razorback told Inside The Celtics that his Summer League goal is to “win every game, without a doubt.” I want to be able to dominate and win every game with the team.”
“We are excited to be here to work with you, to invest in you, and we can’t guarantee how many minutes you’ll play or how many points you’ll score, but we can guarantee that everybody from a staff perspective is totally focused on helping you improve, so that when you reflect on your time with the team, and you reflect on your Summer League experience, whether it’s the 16th, the 17th,” said Tony Dobbins, head coach of Boston’s Sin City squad.
And you’ll know that you were surrounded by a group of people on staff that poured into you, invested in you, and were dedicated to helping you improve. “And then, from a player standpoint, we’re trying to create an environment in which everyone understands the value of being a good teammate and celebrating their teammate’s success and being happy for them, whether it’s a made shot, a great play, or we win a game as a team, we’re trying to create an environment in which we’re celebrating success and being happy for one another.”
“We have people who are joining us from all different places in their career and on their journey and their path, and they’re all excited to be here, and they’re receptive to coaching, and they’re ready to work,” Dobbins added, “so for us as a staff, it’s easy to come in here and work with those guys.” In terms of what he hopes to gain from this experience, he stated the following. “I’m just trying to make the most of it by seeing a different side of coaching than I do during the season.” But I also believe it will put me in a better position to assist (head coach) Joe (Mazzulla). That, I believe, is for myself and for everyone.
The great thing about Summer League is it allows players and staff to do something a little bit different than what you do during the season. But ultimately, the goal for everybody is to be better for the franchise. If everyone improves just a little bit, the franchise will improve.” On July 8, the Celtics will begin Summer League action. JD Davison, a second-round pick last year, is on their roster. Justin Champagnie was signed late in the season. Udoka Azubuike, a former first-round selection. Mychal Mulder is a three-year NBA veteran who most recently played for the Miami Heat. And guard Jay Scrubb, a 2020 second-round pick who has played on two-way contracts with the Clippers and Magic.
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