Summer League Roster

BOSTON HERALD

Celtics sign rookies, add to summer league roster

First round picks Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo and second round choice Kris Joseph all signed contracts this morning (photo, right, by Angela Rowlings), meaning all three will play their first games as Celtics this weekend in the Orlando summer league.

The Celtics also added some familiar names to what is now an 11-man lineup, including Craig Brackins, a 6-foot-10 forward who played for Philadelphia last year and spent a lot of time on the roster of the Celtics’ NBDL affiliate, the Maine Red Claws.

Stephane Lasme, the former UMass forward who was a favorite of his veteran teammates and the final cut of training camp two years ago, is also on the list. Lasme, who lives in Norton, has since played in Israel, Russia, the Red Claws, and most recently Obradoiro of the Spanish League.

They will join a group that already includes last year’s two rookies - JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore — in addition to veteran free agents Dionte Christmas (6-foot-5 forward), Jonathan Gibson (6-foot-1 guard), Jamar Smith (6-foot-3 guard).

Sean Williams, the former BC center and NBA veteran signed late in the season with the idea of a summer tryout, will also travel with the team to Orlando.

The Herald has more on who else you can expect on the roster. The names include
Craig Brackens
Stephan Lasme
JaJuan Johnson
E’Twaun Moore
Dionte Christmas
Jonathan Gibson
Jamar Smith
Sean Williams

Lasme’s been on SL rosters before, so he’s getting yet another look. Sean Williams will have more of a chance to make an impression. I expect Johnson and Moore to get a LOT of minutes, probably along with Sullinger and Melo, as the Celtics try to evaluate who can make more of an impact this upcoming season. These guys are fighting for serious minutes. Moore and Johnson will have to show confidence and leadership as the “veteran” leaders of this Celtics team. They know (a) what the system is, (b) what the team is trying to accomplish and (c) what the team needs from them.
I’ve long said that Summer League success means less than Summer League failure. Failing to perform when a lot is expected of you in that setting where maybe a few guys from each team will be legitimate NBA players is bad. Success in that situation is expected. We’ll be watching for proper execution of plays along with good fundamentals. I don’t care if the shots fall, as long as everything leading up to the shots being taken works.

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