LAS VEGAS — When the Celtics traded for Jaden Springer last season, immediately, one of the main talking points was his age. That was no surprise. Even though the guard was then in his third season in the NBA, he was still just 21 years old. Boston president Brad Stevens raved about his potential, pointing out several 2024 draft prospects were older than Springer.
Look no further than the Celtics’ Summer League roster to showcase Springer’s age. Despite entering his fourth NBA season, he’s the third-youngest player on the roster. Both rookies the Celtics picked — Baylor Scheierman at No. 30 and Anton Watson at No. 54 — are two years older than him.
Despite all that, Springer shrugged off all of the talk about his age. Instead, he had a unique, mature take on his pro career.
“I’ve been hearing that a lot since I came into the league: being young,” Springer said. “I try to throw that out the window. Once you step into this league, it’s a grown man’s league. I try to just throw away my age and just feel like I’m one of them. It’s the same age as some of the vets. I just try to go with that mindset, but still keeping an open mind that I can learn from these guys that have been in the league longer than I have.”
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Springer said he changed his mindset late in his rookie season when his veterans helped him out. Sure, there are certainly positives from being young and still having so much potential. But the NBA’s a ruthless league, where players are forced to adapt and develop their game quickly. Through three seasons, Springer has played in a combined 67 games between the 76ers and C’s, so he’s still picking up valuable experience every time he steps on the court.
As Springer enters his first season in Boston, the Celtics will hope he can be more of a factor when it comes to the rotation. Playing time will be difficult to come by considering the C’s are essentially running back the same roster from the 2024 title team. But there will be opportunities throughout a long regular season — that’s where Springer can come in and make an impact.
“Right now, I feel like I’m pretty ready,” Springer said of consistent minutes. “Being able to watch the guys since I came here. Watching them play, I feel like I learned a lot. Being able to show my defensive efforts. Being able to fill any role they need me to. I feel like I can go out there and help the team.”
Springer excelled in his lone Summer League action thus far, putting up 23 points and six rebounds against the Heat. The guard clearly looked like one of the Celtics’ best players in Vegas, which is a positive sign. He didn’t play in the Celtics’ win over the Lakers on Monday, sitting out the game as he was in street clothes on the bench. Springer isn’t injured or anything, but the team’s just keeping him out for now.
He didn’t get much playing time with the big club after the trade as the C’s were busy winning a title. Springer said he used all that time to soak in as much as possible as he not only got to see greatness up close, but was also a part of that chemistry. Now, the Celtics will hope their young guard develops into a rotation player.
“You always gotta stay locked in,” Springer said. “I feel like our staff does a great job of putting us through game situations. Every day, just repping it out. I feel like that’s the best way, besides playing it out in the real games. So it’s pretty good.”
