Is Summer League Even Important This Year?

(Photo courtesy of Steve Neimand)

By: Greg Payne

That question squeaked into my brain as soon as Robert Swift clanged a jump shot off the side of the backboard midway through the Celtics' first summer league game of...the summer.

Sure it's a great way for the young guns to get involved in some legitimate game action, but wouldn't they almost be better suited going up against guys like Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in Waltham? Or even Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine? Guys who at least play in the NBA?

I suppose I'm taking this mindset into it because I look at our summer league roster and see the following names:

Nick Fazekas
Coby Karl
Bryan Mullins
Kevin Rogers
Bryce Taylor
Michael Sweetney
Robert Swift

Sure, this group of games holds some value for Bill Walker, J.R. Giddens, Gabe Pruitt, Lester Hudson and possibly Chris Lofton. But are any of us sold that the seven names above will be fitted for a Celtics uniform come next season?

After all, this isn't three years ago. We won't be seeing Sebastian Telfair throw bounce passes between his legs to Gerald Green (a.k.a our starting point guard and backup small forward/starting shooting guard showing off). Thankfully. We aren't exactly expecting these young guys to see too much game action this coming season.

If we examine our roster, as it currently stands, nine players will be in uniform next season (Ray Allen, Tony Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace, Brian Scalabrine and Eddie House), to go along with three probables (Gabe Pruitt, Bill Walker, J.R. Giddens), two other possible free agents (Grant Hill, Tyronn Lue) and a potential rookie (Lester Hudson).

That's fifteen guys right there, but since Lue isn't a sure thing, and since it sounds more and more like either Walker or Giddens will lose his spot, and Hudson doesn't have anything guaranteed, let's say there are three spots available.

Surely, Ainge will have to add another big man to the mix, right? Especially if Glen Davis signs with another team. But even if the Celtics were to retain Davis, that would still only leave us with one big man who prefers to play in the paint (Perkins). And seeing as Danny Ainge conveniently let Leon Powe walk, surely we need another power forward/center who prefers the paint over the perimeter, right?

So say there are now two spots left. And all of these young guns are still available. Why would Ainge toss Walker/Giddens/Pruitt/Hudson to the curb in favor of one of these other summer league characters? Unless they REALLY make an impression, surely the other four will gain precedent.

And seeing as Walker put in 14 points, Giddens added 10 and Hudson scored 11 in an 87-56 romp of the Utah Jazz earlier tonight, it looks like those guys will be making most of the headlines.

I'm sure summer league will continue to garner attention throughout the week, but don't expect too much carry over from this roster to our real one. Not beyond the obvious, anyway.

Stay Tuned.