Celts assign Powell to D-League

ESPNBOSTON

By Chris Forsberg | ESPNBoston.com

The Boston Celtics assigned rookie Dwight Powell to the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League on Sunday.

Powell, the 45th pick in June's draft, has not played through six games with Boston. He did dress for the first time during Saturday's win over the Bulls.

The Red Claws don't open their 2014-15 season until Nov. 14, but have an intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday night that Powell will participate in.

Powell is the first Celtics player to be assigned to Maine this season.

Update: Powell scored a game-high 29 points in the scrimmage. According to a release from the Red Claws, "The 6-foot-11 big man threw down a couple dazzling dunks, scoring 19 in the second half and was a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line."

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This move was probably pretty much expected and even by Powell once it was determined that he was not going to be a significant part of the ten man game rotation in Boston.

Powell should do well for the Red Claws which will help prepare him for more NBA time with Boston (?) or perhaps another team will get interested in him which could then be another way for the Celtics to improve.

Wide Clyde

Welcome to the Forum.  Good points that you raise.  The move should give the kid NBA training on how to play NBA ball and will physically condition him for the NBA in the future.

We have not seen the last of Powell this year....he will get a call up after January as he has the physical presence and a good head for basketball.

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Always nice to have a reserve stashed where he can learn a similar system and you can get him quickly if needed. The playing time will be good for his further development and very welcome.

For the moment, at least, it seems like the perfect place for him to be.  Based on the confidence the Celts have demonstrated in him, he'll probably be able to excel and sharpen his game, which would be far more productive than not even dressing except for practices.

Sam

According to Hoops Hype, Powell has already been recalled by the Celtics.

Sam