Former San Antonio Spurs big man Charles Bassey gave the Boston Celtics’ Summer League squad an unexpected boost in Friday’s opener.
Bassey joined the Celtics’ Summer League roster just before Friday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. The 6-foot-10 center immediately made his presence felt, notching two blocks within his first four minutes of action. He finished with 14 points (7-9 FG), 11 rebounds, and two blocks in 18 minutes.
“It was just clear that guy can make an impact in the game, and you saw that throughout the course of the game today. I think he was huge for us,” Celtics Summer League coach Matt Reynolds said of Bassey after Boston’s 92-78 win, per CLNS Media.
That’s the kind of production the Celtics’ thin frontcourt needs after parting ways with Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and likely Al Horford. However, Bassey remains an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.
Bassey’s performance in Friday’s game undoubtedly gave C’s president of basketball operations Brad Stevens something to think about. As of Friday, Neemias Queta, Luka Garza, and rookie second-rounder Amari Williams are the only centers on the NBA roster.
Last season with the Spurs, Bassey averaged 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 10.4 minutes over 36 games. The Western Kentucky product would be a solid reserve big man, and with the roster as currently constructed, he could compete for the starting center role.
Bassey co-starred in Friday’s Summer League opener alongside rookie first-rounder Hugo Gonzalez. The 19-year-old tallied 12 points, five assists, four rebounds, and two blocks in his first taste of NBA action.
The Celtics’ Summer League slate continues Sunday against the New York Knicks with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m. ET in Las Vegas.
