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With anything that happens in Las Vegas, we’re all quick to temper our enthusiasm.
“It’s just Summer League.”
“It’s a small sample size.”
“Let’s remember that the guy was a second-round pick.”
“Just one more trip to the ATM and I’ll stop playing blackjack for the night.”
In just three
games, what were relative unknowns have gone from peaked curiosity to uncontrollable excitement. With Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams, the sophomore duo has solidified their standing in their development timeline.
Gonzalez hasn’t had the best shooting performance in Sin City (6-of-26 from the field, 4-of-18 from 3), but he’s gone to the line a dozen times and filled the stat sheet, nearing a triple-double against the Raptors.
Williams has been an effective rim protector (6 blocks), a ferocious rebounder (6 offensive boards), and an effective playmaker above the break.
However, the biggest revelations might be in this year’s draft picks, Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell. In Monday’s game without Gonzalez and Williams, the rookies showed off some early chemistry. Here’s CelticsBlog Adam Taylor on their evolving synergy:
there was a play late in the third quarter where Cenac had blocked the shot, recovered his block and found Mitchell sprinting up the floor. When it comes to a foot face, at least at Summer League level, I’d be happy to bet on Mitchell winning those most of the time. So, no surprise that he outruns Atlanta’s defense to get the finish.
If you’re going to be watching the Maine Celtics a lot next season, I would assume the connection between these two will be something you come to look forward to. After all, Cenac might be signed to the primary roster, but he projects to spend a decent chunk of his time in the G League, while Mitchell will most likely land a two-way deal following his play over the last three games.
Expect a leap from Gonzalez next season. He was reportedly one of the sticky points in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade and has looked solid after a stint with Spain in the FIBA qualifiers. For Williams, Cenac Jr., and Mitchell, their road to playing time appears to be longer runway, but paved with potential.
