LAS VEGAS — With Zion Williamson sidelined with a knee injury, Tacko Fall may very well be the most popular player in Las Vegas at the moment. The undrafted center has been a fan favorite since debuting on Saturday for the Celtics, with endless cheers resulting in any time he comes off the bench or is directly involved in a play. Celtics head coach Scott Morrison even receives a cascade of boos when he pulls the 7-foot-6 center out of the game, something that has happened quite frequently with the team managing a 13-man rotation the past two games.
“I told him today it’s nice to have the crowd rooting for you, but not to forget why he’s here,” Morrison said of all the extra attention. “And that’s to prove that he belongs. And I told him I think he does, and I’ll do everything I can to help him show that while he’s here.”
Fall has managed to hold up that end of the bargain during the first two games of summer league after signing an exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics last month. He has played just 22 total minutes over the past three days but looks like a guy who has a chance to perform at the NBA level despite his clear limitations.
“Every game I feel like I have something to prove that I can play in the NBA,” Fall said. “That’s where my mind’s at, every game I just try to go out and compete.”
The numbers speak for themselves in wins over his first two games. Fall has shot 8-of-9 from the field with all of his baskets coming in the paint. Without a reliable jump shot, Fall has used his massive frame to grab offensive rebounds over his opponents.
Tacko Fall isn't even fair ? pic.twitter.com/L8sEiPU7rR
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 9, 2019
Tacko Fall is the Vladdy Jr. of NBA Summer League. pic.twitter.com/4BxZxPc0eC
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) July 9, 2019
Try to get around Tacko Fall. I dare you. pic.twitter.com/GlYbWpgc7N
— Dante Turo (@DanteOnDeck) July 9, 2019
Tremont Waters: The shifty point guard shook off a rough shooting night in the summer league opener to show off a nice all-around performance on Monday. He scored seven of his 11 points in the first quarter and made several crafty moves in the paint to help create for others. If he can stay away from the pull-up jumpers off the dribble, his defense and creation ability make him a promising prospect in this league.
Grant Williams: The captain of the second unit is making his impact felt in summer league. Williams has posted a +20 plus/minus in both games now, putting his fingerprints all over every aspect of the game. He banked a 3, took a charge and gobbled up a loose ball in a single one minute sequence, setting the tone for a Celtics summer league squad that’s been everywhere when it comes to hustle plays.
TWO DOWN
Guerschon Yabusele: The power forward deserves credit for playing through a dislocated pinky finger suffered during a dive to the floor. However, the production on both ends continues to be an issue. Yabusele did not score his first basket of summer league until the third quarter of Game 2 and continues to struggle with his cup shot. Outside of a nice weakside help block, there wasn’t much here to help his case for a roster spot beyond effort.
Robert Williams’ fouling: The big man showed off some good passing from the high post but his reaching and filing remains an issue at the rim. He piled up five fouls in just 14 minutes over the first three quarters as he struggled to remain vertical on his contests. This will become crucial for him to improve if he wants to be trusted with minutes anchoring the Celtics defense this fall.
Next up: Celtics will face off against the Nuggets on Tuesday night (8 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Boston)
