The strengths and weaknesses of Celtics rookie Romeo Langford

https://celticswire.usatoday.com/2019/08/09/the-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-celtics-rookie-romeo-langford/




The strengths and weaknesses of Celtics rookie Romeo Langford




Brian Spurlock - USA TODAY Sports



By: Jesse Cinquini | 30 minutes ago



The 2019 NBA Draft was an eventful one for the Boston Celtics.

After rumors circulated prior to the event that the team was looking to trade one or more of their three first-round draft picks, some expected the Celtics’ front office to look to make a major move.

However Celtics president Danny Ainge and company decided to stay quiet on the trade front and instead focused on drafting some impressive young talent to help re-establish a winning culture.

With their highest selection, 14th overall, the C’s drafted former Indiana University guard Romeo Langford.

Initially, it seemed as if the draft choice garnered a mixed reaction among fans. With the franchise unsure about what the future with their current frontcourt looked like with forward Marcus Morris entering free agency, veteran forward Gordon Hayward still working himself back form and big man Al Horford getting long in the tooth, some thought they should have looked to add some size to the roster.

With the last pick in the lottery, the Celtics still could have selected one of the solid bigs remaining on the board.

This year’s Summer League MVP, former Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Brandon Clarke, along with the heralded international prospect Goga Bitadze certainly both appeared to be great options for Boston.

Despite this, the Celtics decided to roll the dice on Langford. The young man is certainly a work in progress though, at just 19-years-old, his ceiling is high.

When discussing Langford’s strengths, one would be remiss not mention his superb shot-creating ability. In the halfcourt, he excels at setting himself up for solid looks from midrange.

Off the dribble, Langford uses his impressive handle and quickness to create space against defenders. Better than arguably anyone in the draft, he utilizes step backs and fadeaways to his advantage in order to get his shot off against lengthy opponents.

The Indiana native’s magnificent balance allows him to be able to stop on a dime and change speeds with ease, a unique offensive weapon that could absolutely serve him well at the next level.

Another one of the teenager’s strong suits is his ideal frame for an NBA guard.

The former Hoosier stands at 6-foot-6 with a long 6-foot-11 wingspan. When looking at some of the greatest shooting guards in the history of basketball, most were exactly or very near Langford’s height.

Obviously one can’t compare him to all-time greats but history has shown that his game or success in the NBA will definitely not be hindered because of his stature.

A springy athlete, Langford’s explosiveness led to him finishing above the rim numerous times during his one season of college basketball. His aformentioned physical tools assist him in getting to the cup as he can extend and contort his body in order to score over and through the defense. The freshman had a slew of poster dunks and awe-inspiring layups that captivated audiences throughout last season.

Langford’s prototypical physique also lends itself to the notion that he has the potential to develop into an excellent on-ball defender. He was inconsistent with his effort, but when at his best and focused he disrupted some of the better scorers in college basketball.

When matched up against Duke University’s star wing R.J. Barrett this past season, Langford used his strength, agility, and wingspan to force misses and even deflect a handful of his attempts at the basket.

If motivated he can throw off opposing guards shots with his reach and strong footwork. He has a long way to go before he wants to be considered a great defender but it shouldn’t come as a surprise if one day he can effectively guard multiple positions.

Overall, Langford is an intruigingly talented prospect who is quite skilled in a multitude of areas. He may not receive an opportunity to become a dynamic offensive player right out of the gate but with time he could mold into an effective NBA player on both ends of the floor.

It’ll be interesting to see if and how Langford will be able to contribute to the Celtics as a rookie next season.



bob
MY NOTE:  We've been ooohhhing and aaahhhing over the new young'uns but the "forgotten" draft pick was actually the highest one.  He fell to #14 because he played with a torn ligament in his shooting hand's thumb all year and that diluted his numbers.  Aside from the wonderful amount of grit and team spirit that sacrifice showed we should also remember that his size, a 6'6" 216# guard with an almost 6'11" wingspan and 8'7" standing reach (for comparison; Jayson Tatum is 6'8", 208#, 6'11" wingspan and 8'10" standing reach. His extra 2" in height helped give him that greater standing reach), and talent didn't just go away.  We do not know how well Romeo will do this year but it's exciting to consider that Danny and Brad snapped him up before they went for 2X SEC POY Grant Williams and bonafide microwave Carsen Edwards.


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Love this pick

Many aspects of the scouting report sound like Tatum.Guys that can get their own shot are at a premium.Less sashaying from side to side would be welcome from Jayson. I hope Romeo is willing to pass the damn ball.

Just read a preseason article before last season started, had Romeo ranked no 2 after RJ Barret and before Zion....must be a reason. Reminds me how Pierce fell to us.