Knicks (0-1) vs Celtics (1-0) SL Game #2 7/13/25

[Kuberski33]

Amari Williams is so peripheral. You barely notice he is even on the floor. Barely involved in offense. Barely involved in defense. Barely involved in rebounding.

He is just there ... doing little to nothing.

----------------------------

Positive signs: He has enough size, quickness and athleticism to make it in the NBA.

Negative signs: He shows no signs of having either the skill or know-how necessary to play in this league. It is not a lack of physical talent. It is a lack of skill & know-how.

I disagree, somewhat. From what I've seen so far, he's got close to NBA level skills for everything except his shooting - which is brutal.

I think he sets a decent pick. He's a good passer. Defensively he has instincts - though he obviously needs to get used to NBA (or actually G-League) game speed. I can see why he was defensive player of the year for 3 seasons in the CAA (granted not a top league). And he looks like he can rebound.

What's lacking obviously is his shot, which I think needs to be built from the ground up - which is why I think this is a pick they rolled the dice with hoping he develops. He literally has no offensive game beyond dunks and layups in an era where 5's are shooting and making 3's. They have to try to teach him a jump shot in the paint and probably a jump hook and try to build out from there.

So he's very much a project. I can see why they took a chance on him, but on the other hand, by the time he's ready to play, the J and J era may be winding down.  I'm guessing he got very little to useful instruction on how to develop his game for the NBA during his 3 years at Drexel and one at Kentucky.

[DefenseWinsChamps]

It may be worth noting that Bassey's first two summer leagues, he averaged 5 points and 4 rebounders per game.

[Kuberski33]

Other observations tonight- 
Scheierman had a much better game than on Friday. He was still looking to score a bit too much but his passing was really good - and he shot the ball better. 8 Rebounds too.  On a team that is likely to be one of the weakest rebounding teams in the league, suffice it to say there will be a need for his skill set.

Walsh had a tough game. He fouled too much and struggled to make an impact.

Bassey was effective and filled up the stat sheet- but as was pointed out in a previous post - he's limited and those limitations won't be so evident vs Summer League talent as they will vs the good bigs in the league.

Shulga has a long way to go. He needs to get stronger. He probably needs a couple of G-League seasons at least to see whether he can take the next step.

Lofton Jr was effective. I can't see him being an NBA player because his body type just doesn't exist in the league right now, but he's a good summer league guy.

[Who]

Amari Williams is so peripheral. You barely notice he is even on the floor. Barely involved in offense. Barely involved in defense. Barely involved in rebounding.

He is just there ... doing little to nothing.

----------------------------

Positive signs: He has enough size, quickness and athleticism to make it in the NBA.

Negative signs: He shows no signs of having either the skill or know-how necessary to play in this league. It is not a lack of physical talent. It is a lack of skill & know-how.

I disagree, somewhat. From what I've seen so far, he's got close to NBA level skills for everything except his shooting - which is brutal.

I think he sets a decent pick. He's a good passer. Defensively he has instincts - though he obviously needs to get used to NBA (or actually G-League) game speed. I can see why he was defensive player of the year for 3 seasons in the CAA (granted not a top league). And he looks like he can rebound.

What's lacking obviously is his shot, which I think needs to be built from the ground up - which is why I think this is a pick they rolled the dice with hoping he develops. He literally has no offensive game beyond dunks and layups in an era where 5's are shooting and making 3's. They have to try to teach him a jump shot in the paint and probably a jump hook and try to build out from there.

So he's very much a project. I can see why they took a chance on him, but on the other hand, by the time he's ready to play, the J and J era may be winding down.  I'm guessing he got very little to useful instruction on how to develop his game for the NBA during his 3 years at Drexel and one at Kentucky.

I'd like to see him go to Europe to develop. He needs a lot of teaching. I don't think the G-League is the right place for him.

[Celtics2021]

Amari Williams is so peripheral. You barely notice he is even on the floor. Barely involved in offense. Barely involved in defense. Barely involved in rebounding.

He is just there ... doing little to nothing.

----------------------------

Positive signs: He has enough size, quickness and athleticism to make it in the NBA.

Negative signs: He shows no signs of having either the skill or know-how necessary to play in this league. It is not a lack of physical talent. It is a lack of skill & know-how.

I disagree, somewhat. From what I've seen so far, he's got close to NBA level skills for everything except his shooting - which is brutal.

I think he sets a decent pick. He's a good passer. Defensively he has instincts - though he obviously needs to get used to NBA (or actually G-League) game speed. I can see why he was defensive player of the year for 3 seasons in the CAA (granted not a top league). And he looks like he can rebound.

What's lacking obviously is his shot, which I think needs to be built from the ground up - which is why I think this is a pick they rolled the dice with hoping he develops. He literally has no offensive game beyond dunks and layups in an era where 5's are shooting and making 3's. They have to try to teach him a jump shot in the paint and probably a jump hook and try to build out from there.

So he's very much a project. I can see why they took a chance on him, but on the other hand, by the time he's ready to play, the J and J era may be winding down.  I'm guessing he got very little to useful instruction on how to develop his game for the NBA during his 3 years at Drexel and one at Kentucky.

I'd like to see him go to Europe to develop. He needs a lot of teaching. I don't think the G-League is the right place for him.

No offense, but this is just a bad take, as it totally ignores what summer league is about for Amari Williams compared to a guy like Charles Bassey.

Williams will be a on 2-way.  It was decided when the Celtics drafted him this would be the case.  So his summer league is not for showing off, but him working on the things the Celtics want him to get better at in game situations.  Specifically this means getting him on the perimeter more on offense and defense. 

Meanwhile a guy like Charles Bassey, for instance, is playing for a job and is trying to show the Celtics and other NBA teams what he can offer a team today.  Bassey and his ilk are not being put in their worst situations, but asked to show what they can do best.  So Bassey gets to stay near the rim as much as he needs.  He?s doing great there, looks healthy for the first time in years, and I would like to sign him, but the Celtics are keeping him in his comfort zone so far.

Will Williams make it in the long run?  Who knows, but the place for him is absolutely Maine so he can work on things the Celtics want him to work on.  And those things undoubtedly include jumpers from the pick and pop and getting back defend to the rim after helping on the perimeter following a screen.  But when he has had an opportunity to show his best self, he has made some pretty plays.  He hit a cutter today that 95% of centers in the NBA couldn?t dream of finding.

[Birdman]

I just don?t believe Walsh gotta make it in NBA & wouldn?t be surprise if Celtics release him in October

[ChillyWilly]

Just finished watching SL game 2. My biggest take away was....

Scheirmann is a traffic cone on defense, just cross him over at the top of the key and you can just go by him.

[Who]

I'd like to see him go to Europe to develop. He needs a lot of teaching. I don't think the G-League is the right place for him.

No offense, but this is just a bad take, as it totally ignores what summer league is about for Amari Williams compared to a guy like Charles Bassey.

Williams will be a on 2-way.  It was decided when the Celtics drafted him this would be the case.  So his summer league is not for showing off, but him working on the things the Celtics want him to get better at in game situations.  Specifically this means getting him on the perimeter more on offense and defense. 

Meanwhile a guy like Charles Bassey, for instance, is playing for a job and is trying to show the Celtics and other NBA teams what he can offer a team today.  Bassey and his ilk are not being put in their worst situations, but asked to show what they can do best.  So Bassey gets to stay near the rim as much as he needs.  He?s doing great there, looks healthy for the first time in years, and I would like to sign him, but the Celtics are keeping him in his comfort zone so far.

Will Williams make it in the long run?  Who knows, but the place for him is absolutely Maine so he can work on things the Celtics want him to work on.  And those things undoubtedly include jumpers from the pick and pop and getting back defend to the rim after helping on the perimeter following a screen.  But when he has had an opportunity to show his best self, he has made some pretty plays.  He hit a cutter today that 95% of centers in the NBA couldn?t dream of finding.

My comment about preferring Amari to go to Europe than the G-League is because I don't think players develop well in the G-League. Europe is a better teaching ground.

He should go away for a few years. Like Anthony Parker did. And then try to come back if he shows growth. It will be a better path for him.

I am not impressed with the G-League in terms of developing players. Especially big men.

Amari looks too far away from being an NBA player to me. He needs more time. More coaching. More experience. I don't consider the G-League the best place for him to get that.

[Goldstar88]

Just finished watching SL game 2. My biggest take away was....

Scheirmann is a traffic cone on defense, just cross him over at the top of the key and you can just go by him.

Yeah, I haven?t been impressed. If Baylor is going to be a rotation player this year, he should look much better than he has.  On both ends.

[tonydelk]

I'd like to see him go to Europe to develop. He needs a lot of teaching. I don't think the G-League is the right place for him.

No offense, but this is just a bad take, as it totally ignores what summer league is about for Amari Williams compared to a guy like Charles Bassey.

Williams will be a on 2-way.  It was decided when the Celtics drafted him this would be the case.  So his summer league is not for showing off, but him working on the things the Celtics want him to get better at in game situations.  Specifically this means getting him on the perimeter more on offense and defense. 

Meanwhile a guy like Charles Bassey, for instance, is playing for a job and is trying to show the Celtics and other NBA teams what he can offer a team today.  Bassey and his ilk are not being put in their worst situations, but asked to show what they can do best.  So Bassey gets to stay near the rim as much as he needs.  He?s doing great there, looks healthy for the first time in years, and I would like to sign him, but the Celtics are keeping him in his comfort zone so far.

Will Williams make it in the long run?  Who knows, but the place for him is absolutely Maine so he can work on things the Celtics want him to work on.  And those things undoubtedly include jumpers from the pick and pop and getting back defend to the rim after helping on the perimeter following a screen.  But when he has had an opportunity to show his best self, he has made some pretty plays.  He hit a cutter today that 95% of centers in the NBA couldn?t dream of finding.

My comment about preferring Amari to go to Europe than the G-League is because I don't think players develop well in the G-League. Europe is a better teaching ground.

He should go away for a few years. Like Anthony Parker did. And then try to come back if he shows growth. It will be a better path for him.

I am not impressed with the G-League in terms of developing players. Especially big men.

Amari looks too far away from being an NBA player to me. He needs more time. More coaching. More experience. I don't consider the G-League the best place for him to get that.

The G league has turned into a better development league then Europe because teams are investing in it.  Are you saying the g league coaches are bad and can't develop players?  Playing in the G league keeps players around their teams where they practice with both the big club and g league club.  Your right that some European leagues have better competition but the rules are very different.  It doesn't serve them well playing FIBA rules versus NBA.  I think if you have a good organization they will make sure the coaching staff is implementing the same type of sets etc that the parent club is which means their development will be much better locally then overseas.

[tonydelk]

Just finished watching SL game 2. My biggest take away was....

Scheirmann is a traffic cone on defense, just cross him over at the top of the key and you can just go by him.

Yeah, I haven?t been impressed. If Baylor is going to be a rotation player this year, he should look much better than he has.  On both ends.

What people have to understand is that a players defense is going to look a lot worse in summer league.  Baylor's team defense was much better in March/April and it's one of the reasons why he got on the floor.  I think Baylor is doing well and I'm please with his progress.  I hate summer league because it's so erratic and there isn't much semblance of team basketball because of the lack of practice time these players get.

[tonydelk]

I just don?t believe Walsh gotta make it in NBA & wouldn?t be surprise if Celtics release him in October

I hate to say it but I agree.  Jordan needs to be an average shooter to be in the rotation.  Defensively he holds up.  He crashes the boards.  Has really good athleticism but can't shoot to save his life.  I will say he's improved attacking the hoop but his shot still doesn't look NBA quality and I don't think it ever will be.

[Who]

I'd like to see him go to Europe to develop. He needs a lot of teaching. I don't think the G-League is the right place for him.

No offense, but this is just a bad take, as it totally ignores what summer league is about for Amari Williams compared to a guy like Charles Bassey.

Williams will be a on 2-way.  It was decided when the Celtics drafted him this would be the case.  So his summer league is not for showing off, but him working on the things the Celtics want him to get better at in game situations.  Specifically this means getting him on the perimeter more on offense and defense. 

Meanwhile a guy like Charles Bassey, for instance, is playing for a job and is trying to show the Celtics and other NBA teams what he can offer a team today.  Bassey and his ilk are not being put in their worst situations, but asked to show what they can do best.  So Bassey gets to stay near the rim as much as he needs.  He?s doing great there, looks healthy for the first time in years, and I would like to sign him, but the Celtics are keeping him in his comfort zone so far.

Will Williams make it in the long run?  Who knows, but the place for him is absolutely Maine so he can work on things the Celtics want him to work on.  And those things undoubtedly include jumpers from the pick and pop and getting back defend to the rim after helping on the perimeter following a screen.  But when he has had an opportunity to show his best self, he has made some pretty plays.  He hit a cutter today that 95% of centers in the NBA couldn?t dream of finding.

My comment about preferring Amari to go to Europe than the G-League is because I don't think players develop well in the G-League. Europe is a better teaching ground.

He should go away for a few years. Like Anthony Parker did. And then try to come back if he shows growth. It will be a better path for him.

I am not impressed with the G-League in terms of developing players. Especially big men.

Amari looks too far away from being an NBA player to me. He needs more time. More coaching. More experience. I don't consider the G-League the best place for him to get that.

The G league has turned into a better development league then Europe because teams are investing in it.  Are you saying the g league coaches are bad and can't develop players?  Playing in the G league keeps players around their teams where they practice with both the big club and g league club.  Your right that some European leagues have better competition but the rules are very different.  It doesn't serve them well playing FIBA rules versus NBA.  I think if you have a good organization they will make sure the coaching staff is implementing the same type of sets etc that the parent club is which means their development will be much better locally then overseas.

I don't see many players going down into the G-League and coming out much better. I am mistaken? Have there been more than I realize? Who are the success stories? How many of them are big men?

I haven't paid much attention to the G-League in recent years so maybe I am behind the times. Maybe it is better at developing players than it used to be.

Who are the big men who have developed down there in the last 5-7 years?

It used to be that you would get 2 types of big men in the G-League. The athletes with no skills. The skilled players with no athleticism. All they did by competing against one another was develop bad habits. Hardly any of them developed down there.

[Roy H.]

I'd like to see him go to Europe to develop. He needs a lot of teaching. I don't think the G-League is the right place for him.

No offense, but this is just a bad take, as it totally ignores what summer league is about for Amari Williams compared to a guy like Charles Bassey.

Williams will be a on 2-way.  It was decided when the Celtics drafted him this would be the case.  So his summer league is not for showing off, but him working on the things the Celtics want him to get better at in game situations.  Specifically this means getting him on the perimeter more on offense and defense. 

Meanwhile a guy like Charles Bassey, for instance, is playing for a job and is trying to show the Celtics and other NBA teams what he can offer a team today.  Bassey and his ilk are not being put in their worst situations, but asked to show what they can do best.  So Bassey gets to stay near the rim as much as he needs.  He?s doing great there, looks healthy for the first time in years, and I would like to sign him, but the Celtics are keeping him in his comfort zone so far.

Will Williams make it in the long run?  Who knows, but the place for him is absolutely Maine so he can work on things the Celtics want him to work on.  And those things undoubtedly include jumpers from the pick and pop and getting back defend to the rim after helping on the perimeter following a screen.  But when he has had an opportunity to show his best self, he has made some pretty plays.  He hit a cutter today that 95% of centers in the NBA couldn?t dream of finding.

My comment about preferring Amari to go to Europe than the G-League is because I don't think players develop well in the G-League. Europe is a better teaching ground.

He should go away for a few years. Like Anthony Parker did. And then try to come back if he shows growth. It will be a better path for him.

I am not impressed with the G-League in terms of developing players. Especially big men.

Amari looks too far away from being an NBA player to me. He needs more time. More coaching. More experience. I don't consider the G-League the best place for him to get that.

The G league has turned into a better development league then Europe because teams are investing in it.  Are you saying the g league coaches are bad and can't develop players?  Playing in the G league keeps players around their teams where they practice with both the big club and g league club.  Your right that some European leagues have better competition but the rules are very different.  It doesn't serve them well playing FIBA rules versus NBA.  I think if you have a good organization they will make sure the coaching staff is implementing the same type of sets etc that the parent club is which means their development will be much better locally then overseas.

I don't see many players going down into the G-League and coming out much better. I am mistaken? Have there been more than I realize? Who are the success stories? How many of them are big men?

I haven't paid much attention to the G-League in recent years so maybe I am behind the times. Maybe it is better at developing players than it used to be.

Who are the big men who have developed down there in the last 5-7 years?

It used to be that you would get 2 types of big men in the G-League. The athletes with no skills. The skilled players with no athleticism. All they did by competing against one another was develop bad habits. Hardly any of them developed down there.

Have there been success stories of college bigs going over to Europe and developing their game, and then coming back to the NBA?

Among the guys connected to the Celtics that seemed to develop there were Hauser, Kornet (including with Knicks G-league squad), Niang. and Queta. 

There have been lots of rotation-caliber two-way players, and most have developed in the G-league.  Dort, Caruso, Duncan Robinson, Chris Boucher, Max Strus, Naz Reid.  Hassan Whiteside began his comeback after being labeled a bust in the G-league.

I don't know what the better path is, but I think the G-league is a credible one.  My random guess about European teams is that they do a better job developing their own prospects than they do guys that came over after being drafted by an NBA team.  But, that's probably only because I can't think of a lot of success stories.