JD Davison received a G League accolade following his successful debut with the Maine Celtics.
For the Maine Celtics this season, Davison, a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA draft, is averaging 20.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. While acknowledging Davison’s achievement, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized that the player’s objectives should not change.
Before the Celtics played the Pelicans on Monday, Mazzulla said, “That’s an awesome thing.” “That’s something you should strive for, but I just don’t want guys to think that’s what defines them. That’s a great individual award for him, and I’ve watched him develop as a player since he came here, particularly in terms of his defense and approach to the game, so that affirmation is great.”
“But in the end, it’s all about the little thingsโthe defense, the reads, the execution, the professionalismโthat are given over an extended period of time, so I hope he enjoys it and comprehends the procedure at the same time.”
The 28 players were selected by combining league choices with fan vote. They will play in two semifinals, then a championship, after being divided into four teams.
Centers are in pain.
Due to a left ankle sprain he sustained during Boston’s victory against the Heat last Thursday, Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis missed his second straight game on Monday. Luke Kornet, the backup center, was also injured on Saturday night due to a tight left hamstring, which kept him out of the Clippers game.
Mazzulla stated, “I think it’ll be kind of like a day-to-day thing. They both did their own version of a workout [Monday], just to kind of see how they feel.”
Tatum fulfills his role.
On Monday, TD Garden hosted the Celtics’ Cancer Awareness Night. Star forward Jayson Tatum got to know young cancer patients and their families at Christopher’s Haven, a home and community for them. Among the group was 10-year-old Xavier Goncalves, a cancer youngster Tatum visited Christopher’s Haven many times and became friends with last year.
Ryan is back in Boston.
In 2021โ2022, Matt Ryan, who had worked as a delivery driver and cemetery maintenance worker while pursuing his professional basketball goal, inked a two-way deal with the Boston Celtics during their NBA Finals campaign.
Still, his circuitous voyage was not over. He first signed with the Lakers last season, then after being released, he later signed a two-way contract with the Timberwolves. He had a two-way contract with the Pelicans prior to the current campaign, and for Monday’s game, he was brought up from the Birmingham Squadron of the G League.
Coach Willie Green of the Pelicans described him as a “true professional and high-character guy.” We are happy to have him on the squad this season and we enjoy having him on it. He works really hard and has the ability to blast the cover off the ball when he’s open.
He spent the whole day at the gym using elliptical machines to perform sprints, even during times when he was unable to shoot due to an elbow injury. He was using all of his effort to improve himself so that he might return and make a contribution. Thus, there just aren’t enough guys like Matt.