Tremont Waters remains patient, prepared for his time as a Celtic

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/tremont-waters-remains-patient-prepared-012333909.html




Tremont Waters remains patient, prepared for his time as a Celtic




A. Sherrod Blakely, NBC Sports Boston

16 hours ago




BOSTON -- Like many youngsters, Tremont Waters has wanted to play in the NBA for most of his life.

Hanging out with his family in New Haven, Connecticut, as a kid, Waters would watch NBA games and envision one day hearing his name being introduced as he jogged onto the parquet or the floor of some other NBA arena.

That little boy has grown up, been a standout at LSU and is now a member of the Celtics.

That same drive and motivation to be in the NBA remains alive and well.

But as eager as Waters is to prove his worth to the Celtics and the rest of the world, he's patient with the process, knowing that just to be where he is now is a tremendous accomplishment not to be taken lightly or for granted.

As a two-way contract player, Waters will be with the Celtics this season for no more than 45 days while the rest of his time will be spent with Boston's G-League affiliate, the Maine Red Claws.

That's why a lack of playing time, on the immediate horizon due to Boston's logjam of guards, only strengthens Waters' resolve to make sure when opportunities to play present themselves, he's prepared for the moment.

So, when Celtics coach Brad Stevens decided to keep most of his regular rotation back in Boston while the rest of the players traveled to Cleveland for the preseason finale on Tuesday night, Waters thrived in his enhanced role.  

His 24-point, seven-assist, two-rebound performance was one of the many that stood out in a 118-95 win over the Cavs.

In addition to finding the red-hot Carsen Edwards on 3's, Waters also made a point of connecting with teammates cutting to the basket or moving without the ball to open spaces where the ball would meet them in stride, from Waters.

But he also can get his own shots, too.

Ask Cleveland's Kevin Porter Jr. who found himself in spin cycle mode when a switch defensively had him trying to guard Waters.

Waters drove to his left past Porter Jr., but slowed down just enough for Porter Jr. to catch up.

Keeping his dribble, Waters made a hesitation move as if he was going to stop his dribble and look to shoot - he didn't - and blew past Porter Jr. for a right-handed lay-up amid a small chorus of oohs and ahhs.

This was one of the many moments that contributed to a win that kept Boston's preseason record unblemished at 4-0.

And for Waters, a second-round pick taken 51st overall last June, it was yet another game when he was able to showcase his talents and skills before the Celtics and his teammates.

"Tre, he's going to be a really good player in this league," Celtics guard Kemba Walker told NBC Sports Boston. "He's got a really good feel for the game, works hard, crafty with the ball and is a good defender. Sooner or later, his time is going to come to shine."

But even when he's not on the floor playing, Waters says he's grateful to be in a position to fulfill a childhood dream that so many have but only a handful ever truly get to experience.

"A lot of people don't get this opportunity," Waters told NBC Sports Boston. "So for me to sit there and watch a game live…when I was younger I sat on my couch watching NBA games, wishing, hoping that I could play in the NBA one day. I get to watch it live, sitting on the bench or sitting on the floor at the end of the bench. I'm not taking it as a bad thing. I'm living the life; I don't have anything to complain about."



bob
MY NOTE:  Mentally, point guard is probably the most difficult position on the team.  It's actually probably better for Waters' development that he gets to learn Brad's playbook, cold, before he gets thrown into the fire.



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Carsen Edward really looks like a steal.  

Tremont Waters also looks like a steal but for different reasons.

Carsen is the best shooting guard that Danny has ever drafted.  His ability to get hot so quick and his ability to shoot the 3 ball with 30' range is incredible.  

Waters is the best pure PG that Danny has drafted since Brad Stevens became the coach.  

Waters has a great handle, change of speed and direction and looks fully in command of the offense when he is on the floor.  He knows how to attack off the dribble and can pull up and knock down shots.  Very impressive young man.