Boston’s Summer League run ended with a 103-97 loss to the Orlando Magic in Sin City, but even in defeat, the Celtics front office got a solid look at some guys making a real case for future consideration. With Hugo Gonzalez, Chris Cenac, and Dillon Mitchell on the bench for the finale, it was Amari Williams, Milos Uzan, Tucker DeVries, and John Tonje who truly got to showcase their talents for the green machine.
Williams’ Unique Offensive Hub
Amari Williams is easily one of the most intriguing prospects Boston has right now, and it’s all thanks to his super unique ability to be an offensive hub in the high post. Seriously, unless you’re Nikola Jokic, you don’t see many bigs, especially not deep-on-the-depth-chart guys, get developed like this. But the Celtics? They seem dead set on making it happen with Williams. He’s been putting in work outside the restricted area, using that 6’11” frame as a watch tower in the half court all week in Vegas. We’re talking nifty finds and hockey assists on back cuts. The team’s got another year to see if this high-post playmaking is for real, especially since Williams is coming back on a two-way contract, eligible for 50 games with the big club. That’s a huge opportunity.
Uzan and DeVries Show Their Stuff
Then you’ve got Milos Uzan. Forget any questions, the dude can play. Even with the crazy short turnaround of throwing a Summer League roster together and building chemistry, it’s obvious he’s got the skills to run point on a team. He averaged a super tidy 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists through five games, and finished with nine points in 17 minutes on Saturday. Uzan and Tucker DeVries both snagged Exhibit 10 deals, which means they’re headed to training camp in October and will most likely join the G League affiliate in Maine. This is how you find those complementary players, the guys who have one portable NBA skill like Sam Hauser’s three-point shooting or Jordan Walsh’s lockdown defense.
What’s Next for These Celtics Hopefuls
John Tonje, on the other hand, is effectively a free agent after he was traded to the Celtics last season in the Chris Boucher deal and then his option was declined. It’s a tough road for these guys trying to make it to the bigs, but Summer League is where they lay it all out there. With training camp on the horizon, Uzan and DeVries are set to compete, looking to prove they belong even if it’s starting in the G League. For Williams, his development as a high-post playmaker is absolutely something to keep an eye on, as the Celtics clearly believe he can develop that niche skill for the next season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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