LAS VEGAS — Baylor Scheierman fell to the floor after recording a steal, seated himself and tossed a long pass down the floor to Jordan Walsh, who flushed one of several Celtics breakaway dunks in a Summer League loss to the Heat. Those breakaways have become a common sight in Las Vegas as the Celtics experiment with a new play style they hope can at least translate in part to the upcoming regular season.
The Celtics hope to increase their pace, implement more cutting and create more turnovers on defense this offseason, all three failing to emerge during last season and contributing to Boston falling to the New York Knicks in the second round alongside injuries and illness. The team grew too reliant on making-and-missing shots, suffered from too thin of a turnover margin as their own giveaways added up and slowed to a halt, which became Brad Stevens' big takeaway from the series. Stevens also mentioned throughout Summer League, the Celtics' need to play to strengths of its new-look roster after an offseason breakup of the previous core and Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear that took him out of the picture for the immediate future.
"We're gonna put our best foot forward and play to the best of our ability, and play to the strengths of our team," Stevens said on the ESPN broadcast during Celtics-Knicks in Las Vegas. "We probably have to be a little more (geared toward) each individual's strengths."
That becomes the challenge for Joe Mazzulla, who will oversee a significant roster and stylistic overhaul for the first time since becoming head coach in 2022. He previously expressed that the team's 3-point heavy and disciplined defensive approach befitted the personnel they had. If they had different players, they'd play a different way. That's now the case with their center depth chart almost completely emptied from the previous two years with Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet gone. Those three allowed the Celtics to play bigger while maintaining five-out spacing, defensive versatility and enough experience to play mistake-free basketball.
That'll change this season without reliable floor spacing in the frontcourt. Boston can utilize Sam Hauser in smaller lineups to keep the floor open. That'll pressure Neemias Queta, Luka Garza and others as the lone big. Garza's shooting ability and strength might allow the Celtics to play some double-big, but more often they'll slide Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott and Georges Niang, if he remains, alongside Jaylen Brown. There will always be tradeoffs with this roster, especially as the Celtics try to maintain an advantage on the boards.
"I like it," Jordan Walsh said. "It’s a different brand of basketball than what I’m used to. Usually with the Celtics, whenever we’re in a pin it’s just give JT the ball, let him cook, ball screen, let him cook. Here, we’re running ball screens, getting everyone activated. We’re emphasizing getting the corners activated, because I feel like once you’re in the corner on our team, you’re stuck there. So we’re trying to find ways to get them into the offense.”
That's the positive for the Celtics as they work less experienced players into larger roles. Playing more aggressive defense, utilizing the length they have if not experience at the wing, could allow the team to counteract the mismatches they'll play through. Teams will challenge their centers constantly, Payton Pritchard likely enters the starting lineup where Jrue Holiday played before while Brown will likely balance playing various defensive roles with his greater offensive burden. Playing in transition can also solve some of the offensive issues players might meet on offense as everyone expands their roles on that end with Tatum out.
Implementing more cutting becomes a no-brainer on that end, both because Boston's off-ball players could benefit significantly from receiving more shots closer to the basket and it provided a different way for the Celtics to generate spacing in line with league trends. Defenses increased their pick-up points, even pressing at half and full court as ways to counteract the league's three-point frenzy this past season. That opened the door for teams like the Cavaliers to embrace cutting as part of their offensive system, and Cleveland utilized it on the way to becoming the league's top offense.
"We're picking up full court, trying to wreak havoc on the defensive end of the ball," Scheierman said. "Maybe taking a little more gambles than we have in the past, and also offensively, a little more off-ball passing and cutting and setting flare screens, stuff like that which we didn't necessarily do a whole lot last year. So I'd say those two things."
The Celtics have experimented in various ways, and not just for the sake of experimentation, they've said. They brought Max Shulga and Isaiah Wong to Vegas as point guards, but don't have a traditional ball dominant floor general like the role JD Davison filled on recent rosters. That left Scheierman, Hugo González and even Kenneth Lofton Jr. with opportunities to play at the point. Scheierman has struggled with his shot again like he did to begin last season, but Owen Phillips noted in a Summer League assessment of how all the statistics translate to the regular season that Vegas 3-point percentage has among the least correlation with what followed. Scheierman simultaneously worked a 6.8 assist and 1.8 turnover per game ratio, and they'll need him to play some depth minutes at guard if Anfernee Simons doesn't begin the year in Boston and Payton Pritchard starts.
That could play to his strengths as a shooter and rhythm dribbler. The cutting, pace and locations where the Celtics have gotten Walsh shots have all worked for him as he averaged 15.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG and 1.0 SPG while shooting 46.3% from the field and 38.9% from three. He's focused less on creating offense for Boston and more on taking what's available to him, following an overarching Stevens mantra for the team to not try to do too much individually this year after Walsh failed to show an advanced scoring game last summer. This Celtics summer team has looked more like a collective unit than recent ones, even with individuals like González struggling at times to adapt to the NBA game. That transition has undoubtedly been exacerbated by the pace -- Boston attempting the fifth-most shots per game at Summer League.
They've made up for those individual shooting lulls with an aggressive press that may not totally translate to the regular season, but has allowed Boston to generate 11.0 steals per game, the sixth-most among teams in Vegas so far. Last year, the Celtics averaged 7.2 each night, tied for 28th.
"Summer League allows for that," Matt Reynolds said. "Every team at Summer League is trying to amp up the pressure, but we see, particularly with the roster we have here and some of the players that we'll have in the fall, we can force turnovers. We have multiple effort players and so that ball pressure and activity is obviously beneficial and something that we want to do."
Here's what else happened around the NBA this week...
Atlanta: NBA executives are closely watching Trae Young's status ahead of his potential free agency next summer, according to Shams Charania. He added that Young is excited about Atlanta's new additions and is not eyeing an exit. His 2026-27 option is for $49 million, though he is eligible for a four-year, $229 million extension. Kristaps Porziņģis arrived in Atlanta before returning to Latvia for EuroBasket, while Young spoke with Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard on the phone. Caleb Houston, a former Magic wing, also joined the Hawks on a one-year contract last week.
“I wanted them on my team, and I know they would make our team better. So we were able to talk and make it happen. I’m happy that they’re on my team—we made it work,” Young said.
Boston: Expected to continue considering trades as the offseason progresses, recently discussing a deal with the Grizzlies, as Jake Fischer reported. Boston has now looked for new homes for Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang for some time, as the team looks to grow even younger and less expensive than it already has. Fischer, who appeared on the Garden Report this past week, also revealed that the Celtics never came close to trading Jaylen Brown or Derrick White, despite the Raptors floating the No. 9 pick and RJ Barrett for White or Jrue Holiday. The Celtics opted to acquire an expiring salary, rather than Barrett's two years, $53 million, and the larger annual salary of a ninth pick. Charles Bassey left the Celtics Summer League team after completing his planned three-game slate with the team. He averaged 15.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG and 2.0 BPG on 70.4% shooting, and remains a free agent after beginning his career with the 76ers and Spurs.
Brooklyn: Like the Warriors with Jonathan Kuminga and Philadelphia with Quentin Grimes, the Nets are in no rush to re-sign Cam Thomas in restricted free agency with no cap space available elsewhere. Both the Nets and Thomas are prepared to wait to sign a new contract, despite shared interest in a new deal. Brooklyn can create roughly $25 million in space by remaining patient and waiving several players, which would allow them to absorb other contracts before re-signing Thomas and others with Bird rights. The Nets, for that reason, are a team to watch as the Celtics look for a new home for Simons.
Charlotte: Rolled past the Thunder to advance to the Summer League championship on Sunday against the Kings. Liam McNeeley (18.0 PPG) took a seat after two games with right achilles pain, leaving Kon Knueppel (13.3 PPG) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (8.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.8 BPG) to lead the Hornets among the Hornets regulars. Jaylen Sims, who played in Charlotte's G-League last season, led Friday's win with 25 points. Collin Sexton expressed excitement about joining the Hornets after his trade from the Jazz this month.
Chicago: Far apart on a new contract with Josh Giddey, who's waiting in restricted free agency for a $30 million average annual salary from the team. The Bulls prefer to pay closer to $20 million. With Giddey's status up in the air, the Bulls and Warriors haven't advanced in talks about a sign-and-trade that would send Jonathan Kuminga to Chicago. The Warriors would theoretically bring back Nikola Vučević, but Golden State also reportedly had interest in Lonzo Ball before the Bulls traded him to the Cavs for Isaac Okoro.
Cleveland: Dean Wade is a name worth watching late in the NBA trade cycle, with the Mavericks notably fans of the sturdy defensive wing who has shot well with the Cavs. Koby Altman and other Cleveland executives received extensions last week.
Dallas: Cooper Flagg called it a summer after his two standout performances in Vegas that showed him up for meeting the hype of his rookie season, even while persevering through some inconsistent shooting. Frank Vogel, Phil Handy, Popeye Jones, Jay Triano and Mike Pemberthy headline a new-look Mavs coaching staff that could thrive in player development, Mavericks reporter Grant Efseth mentioned on his Dallas podcast. Ryan Nembhard, brother of the Pacers star guard, earned a Mavs two-way deal with a strong summer showing, averaging 11.3 PPG and 6.7 APG on 40.7% shooting.
Denver: VP of Basketball Operations Ben Tenzer said there have been nothing but healthy conversations about having Jonas Valančiūnas for next season, following speculation that he could leave the NBA for Greece following his trade from the Kings to the Nuggets. After a stellar summer that turned Denver back into a championship contender, the Nuggets' front office now needs to address Christian Braun, Peyton Watson and the bench's future, with Braun's new deal potentially starting at $30 million per season. Jamal Murray joined the Nuggets in Las Vegas for offseason workouts, entering next season healthier than he has been in recent summers. Daron Holmes II, who expected to backup Nikola Jokić as a rookie before tearing his Achilles last summer, posted 19 points, 17 rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes in one of his first games back at Summer League. He averaged 13.0 PPG and 9.5 RPG in four games there, and even shot 42.1% from three. This team is loaded.
Golden State: Jonathan Kuminga remains hopeful he can score a $25 million average annual contract to remain with the Warriors, even if it's over the short term with an expectation that the team might trade him in the future. He's also still open to a sign-and-trade, according to Jake Fischer. The Warriors have remained hesitant to go that far while holding out hope themselves that they can secure a first round pick for the former top draft selection. The Kings have shown the most interest in a trade for Kuminga, but fell short in their recent offer. Golden State is expected to sign Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton once it resolves the Kuminga situation.
Lakers: Marcus Smart will join the Lakers on a two-year, $11 million contract using the team's bi-annual exception once he completes a buyout from the Wizards. Smart joins Luka Dončić in the Lakers' back court, who reportedly recruited Smart, alongside Gabe Vincent, Austin Reaves and one of Jordan Goodwin or Shake Milton, the other needing to go to clear the roster space for the move. Smart played 15 games with Washington following his trade as a salary dump from Memphis, averaging 9.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG and 3.2 APG on 34.8% three-point shooting between the two teams in 34 games. The Lakers haven't had trade or buyout talks with LeBron James, who's expected to begin the year with the team.
Clippers: Signed Bradley Beal to a two-year, $11 million contract following his release from the Suns, hoping a fresh start will rejuvenate the 32-year-old guard, who struggled to stay on the court but shot well with the Suns. Beal will slide into Norman Powell's secondary scoring role, which Powell thrived in before the team traded him to Miami in a three-team deal that brought back John Collins from Utah. Beal and Collins reshape the team's James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac core that thrived in the regular season before faltering in the playoffs against the Nuggets. The team also has strong interest in Chris Paul, and has outlined to him the role he would play if he would like to join.
Memphis: What could the Grizzlies have discussed with Boston? Remember, Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang can't be aggregated in trades until August, so maybe a larger trade is possible down the line. Until then, maybe they're shaving down Niang's salary into John Konchar, who makes $12.6 million over two years? I can't imagine a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope for Simons swap is on the table after Boston reportedly passed up the No. 9 pick from Toronto to take on a two-year contract in RJ Barrett. I don't see a deal here. Jaren Jackson Jr.'s five-year contract through a $239.9 million extension that's now complete. He'll miss the next 9-10 weeks after undergoing surgery to address turf toe.
Miami: Terry Rozier remains under scrutiny over 30 bets placed on his stats to go under over a 46 minute span in 2023 while he played for the Hornets, all wagered on a single game that became the source of the federal investigation into him last season, according to documents. Rozier hasn't been charged with a crime and remains an active part of the Heat pending the investigation. The bettor won all 30 plays when Rozier exited the game following a 10 minute stint with a foot injury. Six casinos flagged activity surrounding Rozier, but ultimately paid out over $13,000 to the bettor. Rozier is one of three NBA players under investigation over alleged gambling-related activity. The Heat reportedly did not get involved in the Damian Lillard pursuit this time because they did not want to pay him and take a cap hit to have him rehab from his Achilles tear this season.
"It's unfortunate that he's a big name in sports and is having to endure all this," Rozier's lawyer told ESPN. "My hope and expectation is that at some point that they'll be done with their investigation and will be professional enough to let us know that it's 100% over and that they reached the same conclusion that was reached in 2023."
Milwaukee: The Blazers did the Bucks a solid by paying Damian Lillard roughly $14 million for each of the next two seasons, offsetting some of the two-year, $112.6 million in salary that Milwaukee owed him as part of the waive-and-stretch that keeps him on their books until 2030. The offset provision doesn't impact Lillard's cap hit on the Bucks, which remains $22 million for the next five seasons. Jon Horst spoke for the first time about the decision to waive Lillard and sign Myles Turner, which commits roughly $50 million in cap space to Turner for the entirety of his contract.
"Maximizing Giannis’ prime, our opportunities to win, I feel like that’s our responsibility always," Horst told The Athletic.
Minnesota: Fell short in pursuing Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal as they try to supplement their backcourt around aging point guard Mike Conley and Anthony Edwards. Facilitating offense has been one of the team's biggest needs in recent seasons, and they'll now likely explore the depth guard market for veterans who can help them in their push to return to a third straight West Finals.
New York: Will have to pivot after reportedly having some interest in Marcus Smart, who signed with the Lakers on Saturday. They've been linked to Ben Simmons, who faded from the Clippers' rotation late last season after his buyout from the Nets. Malcolm Brogdon and Russell Westbrook are also available as the top free-agent guards, with Westbrook reportedly connected to the Knicks earlier this offseason. Guerschon Yabusele took enough of a pay cut from his mid-level exception to give the Knicks room to sign any minimum contract under the second apron hard cap. Long term, the team is still focused on having the flexibility to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo if the opportunity emerges, per Ian Begley. Former Celtic Anton Watson dropped 21 points on Saturday in Vegas.
"I think one of the reasons why (Mikal Bridges) has not been extended yet is because once you extend him, you cannot trade him for six months and I think until the Giannis stuff is fully settled, and I don't think it's fully settled yet," Begley said. "When he does extend, I think that tells you Giannis is put to bed, is off the table in a sense."
New Orleans: Rookie Derik Queen underwent surgery on a torn scapholunate ligament in his left wrist and will be evaluated in 12 weeks after a standout Summer League. He's expected to miss three months, according to ESPN. Queen became the most controversial selection in the 2025 draft after the Pelicans traded the Bucks' unprotected 2026 first-rounder to the Hawks to move up 10 spots. Queen averaged 14.0 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 2.3 APG and 1.0 BPG on 43.8% shooting in three Vegas games. Joe Dumars spoke to Andscape about his controversial first decision leading the team and his relationship with Zion Williamson, who he's defended through a sexual assault lawsuit.
"He’s a really good person. He’s obviously immensely talented," Dumars said. "He and I have had some incredible conversations. We are in constant contact with each other. I’ve talked to him about the responsibility of being great and the responsibility of being a leader, of being a captain, of being the best player, of being the face of a franchise. I’ve talked to him about how all of those things come with responsibility and how it’s time now at 25 years old to embrace those responsibilities."
Philadelphia: ESPN profiled Joel Embiid as the superstar tries to restart his career after a devastating, injury riddled season where he only played 19 games that left his future in some doubt. The feature dove into his physical and mental challenges battling narratives about his career, his infamous shove of a reporter over mentioning his dead brother in a column, becoming The Process and one of the more scrutinized players in the league over his many injuries. He underwent surgery in April that aimed to alleviate swelling in his left knee following a previous meniscus procedure. Embiid told ESPN there's no timeline for his return, though Daryl Morey previously signaled him being ready for training camp this fall.
"We're not going to push anything," Embiid said of this offseason. "For my whole career, I felt like we never took that approach."
Portland: Signed Damian Lillard to a three-year, $54 million contract to return him to the franchise he began his career with and left for only two seasons from 2023-25 with the Bucks. Lillard signed back with the Blazers over expressed interest from the Celtics, Lakers and Warriors, who could offer him significantly less money than Portland ultimately did to have him sit out most or all of the 2025-26 season. He'll return at age 36 alongside an emerging core of Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Donovan Clingan and top selection Hansen Yang, who became a Summer League sensation through four games. Jrue Holiday also joined the Blazers playing on a three-year deal this offseason, and was encouraged to embrace the team by Lillard, per Jake Fischer.
Phoenix: Released Bradley Beal in a contract buyout that gave $13 million back to the Suns. Like the Bucks with Lillard, Phoenix waived-and-stretched Beal, so they'll carry a cap hit on the books for the next five seasons. The Suns will now inevitably move to addressing Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen's futures with the team and begin utilizing some of the cap flexibility that offloading Beal will allow. Only Devin Booker now remains from the 2021 Suns Finals run and what they hoped would become a big three years later between Booker, Beal and Kevin Durant, who the team traded to Houston earlier this offseason.
San Antonio: Dylan Harper played in two Summer League games, averaging 16.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.0 APG and 1.0 SPG on 35.7% shooting before sitting out the rest of the schedule. Harper started his Vegas stint slow while managing an injury. Victor Wembanyama announced he's clear to return from the blood clot that ended his season in February. The Spurs didn't make a major trade this summer, and reportedly aim to maintain their trade assets to pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo, should he become available.
Utah: Remember Kyle Filipowski? The second-year forward out of Duke led Vegas Summer League with 29.3 PPG in three appearances on 56.1% shooting (39.1% 3PT) after the Celtics passed up on him last summer for Baylor Scheierman with the 30th pick. As Scheierman looks to progress past an up-and-down Vegas stint of his own, Filipowski will almost certainly become a point of comparison as the Celtics' drafting and development becomes more scrutinized into this new era. Filipowski, 22 this season, averaged 9.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG and 1.9 APG as a rookie on 50.2% shooting.
Washington: Marcus Smart and the Wizards agreed to a buyout from the final year of his $22 million contract. Smart originally signed that four-year deal with the Celtics before Boston traded him to Memphis in 2023. The Wizards also bought out Blake Wesley late last week, who they acquired in the Kelly Olynyk trade with San Antonio. Washington now has a full 15-man roster.
