Romeo Langford leaves Celtics third preseason game with sprained knee, but other rookies are stepping up
Photo of Romeo Langford courtesy of Elsa/Getty Images

 Romeo Langford missed the Summer League as he rehabbed from thumb surgery. He also missed practice time and the first preseason game due to a groin injury. And now the Boston Celtics 2019 lottery pick did not return to the third preseason game after he sprained his knee.


Coming into the NBA after one year of college, it is crucial for development to contribute on the court and learn on the job prior to the regular season. The injury is not believed to be serious, but unfortunately for Langford, he has not been able to gain any traction.

For a Celtics team that will need to rely on inexperienced depth, Langford’s slow start is not ideal. The good news, though, is that they have a handful of other rookies that are working their asses off.


The Celtics rotation will feature a couple rookies. Right now it looks like Carsen Edwards will get a shot early on to become a scoring guard off the bench. He shoots unconsciously, and makes them!

Grant Williams should get a nod to play some power forward. He can contribute in multiple ways in a Marcus Smart-esque way. There was also a possession late in the third preseason game, when no one was watching the blowout, that the Celtics reserves showed great ball movement that ended with Williams not hesitating on a contested three pointer in the corner. He nailed it with ease. If he can do that, he’s going to be difficult to keep off the floor.

Former standout overseas, Vincent Poirier, is considered an NBA rookie even though he turns 26 later this week. He has some big men in front of him at this time, but he’s going to get his opportunity sooner than later.


Guys like Tremont Waters, Max Strus, Javonte Green and Tacko Fall are fighting for the last roster spot or will be playing for the Maine Red Claws, but their effort is being noticed. Just because they may not have a role right away doesn’t mean their teammates aren’t pulling for them either.


The Celtics’ depth will be tested at times throughout the season with the inevitable bumps and bruises to the regular rotational players. Hopefully the grinding they’re doing now will pay off in an important stretch of the season when they’re needed.
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