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Summer Standouts Set to Shine: Which Young Celtics Will Break Into the Regular Season Rotation?
By L. Andrews – July 28, 2025
Under the sweltering Las Vegas sun, the Boston Celtics’ Summer League squad did more than just notch wins—they made statements. And while the main roster returns with championship expectations, Brad Stevens and new head coach Sam Cassell have both hinted that the Celtics will lean into youth this season, blending fresh energy into a veteran-heavy locker room. So who are the Summer League standouts ready to contribute when the games really count?
1. JD Davison – The Floor General Evolves
After two seasons of back-and-forth between the Maine Celtics and the NBA bench, JD Davison has finally turned a corner. In Vegas, the 6’1” point guard showcased an upgraded three-point shot (42.6% over five games) and tighter control in half-court sets. His assist-to-turnover ratio was an impressive 3.5:1, and he’s looking more poised than ever.
“He’s not just playing fast—he’s playing smart,” assistant coach Tony Dobbins said after Davison’s 13-assist performance against the Spurs’ Summer squad. With Jrue Holiday aging and Payton Pritchard being trade bait in multiple rumors, Davison could see 10–15 minutes a night backing up Derrick White.
2. Anton Watson – The Surprise Swiss Army Knife
Undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2024, Anton Watson has forced Boston’s brass to take notice. A 6’8″ forward with a relentless motor and NBA-ready defensive instincts, Watson averaged 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. But it wasn’t just stats—it was tone-setting plays: diving for loose balls, rotating early, and locking down top wings like Jaime Jaquez Jr.
“He does the dirty work no one wants to do,” said Summer League head coach DJ MacLeay. With Oshae Brissett’s minutes up for grabs and Boston needing frontcourt depth behind Tatum and Brown, Watson could carve out a regular role—especially if he continues to hit corner threes (he went 7-of-14 during the Summer League).
3. Jordan Walsh – The Sophomore Leap
Walsh’s rookie year was quiet—but not wasted. After a season refining his shot mechanics in Maine, he emerged this July with a smoother release and newfound confidence. He averaged 15.2 points and 5.9 rebounds, all while blanketing opposing scorers with his 7’2” wingspan and elite lateral quickness.
Celtics insiders have described him as “Grant Williams with more upside.” Expect him to be a defensive specialist off the bench this season, matching up with elite wings and gradually expanding his offensive game.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics don’t need their young guns to be stars—but they do need them to be reliable. With aging veterans, a cap-heavy roster, and title ambitions, cheap, effective rotation players are a premium asset.
If Davison keeps distributing, Watson keeps scrapping, and Walsh keeps growing, Boston’s future won’t just be about chasing banners—it’ll be about building sustainable excellence from the bottom up.
And when the bright lights of TD Garden replace the neon of Vegas, don’t be surprised if these Summer League standouts step confidently into the spotlight.
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