LAS VEGAS — Even though the Celtics are fresh off winning the 2024 NBA title, their roster for Summer League still featured notable names. Multiple bench players from the title team make up the future, so they’re getting real playing time in Las Vegas.
Among those playing for the Celtics, there is an intriguing name to watch: Jaden Springer. The guard was acquired at the 2024 trade deadline from the 76ers in a rare in-division trade. The C’s saw the defensive potential in the 21-year-old for the future. But since the Celtics were busy winning a title, Springer didn’t get much playing time since February. It’s why the rising fourth-year pro is getting these valuable reps this Summer League.
“They just wanted to see my play,” Springer said. “Limited minutes throughout the season. We had a great team. Just coming in here, it’s a great chance to play, get run, get reps. I feel like that’s the biggest thing: They just wanted me to come out here and hoop.”
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Springer immediately looked like one of the best players on the court against the Heat in the Summer League-opening loss Saturday at Cox Pavilion. He poured in 23 points and six rebounds in the loss, shooting 8-for-15 from the field, including a 3-for-6 showing on 3-pointers. Springer also got some point guard duties as he showed some nice vision. And, importantly, he finished with no turnovers.
The box score stats already look nice, but they don’t even include Springer’s defense. His teammates have raved about his two-way play throughout camp. There were moments throughout Saturday’s game where his defensive intensity shined. Some members of the front office were court-side Saturday, and there were at least a few times where Springer’s defense changed the look on their faces.
“He was really, really physical,” C’s summer coach D.J. MacLeay said. “I thought he had a couple good offensive stretches there, too. When you talk about what his goals are, it’s the ball pressure. It’s unique. It’s something that most people don’t have. His ability to really pick up and bother people and not allow people to score is really special.”
In an interesting wrinkle, despite going into his fourth pro season, Springer is actually one of the youngest players on this roster. He doesn’t turn 22 until this September as he’s only about a week older than guard JD Davison, who’s going into his third season. The youngest player on the C’s summer roster is Jordan Walsh, 20.
But Springer had an interesting take on his youth: “I try to throw that out the window.” He stressed it’s a “grown man’s league,” so it doesn’t matter how old he is or how much experience he has. All that matters, Springer said, is his performance on the court as he develops his game to earn consistent playing time.
Springer said he feels ready when it comes to becoming a consistent rotation player. The C’s themselves will hope he can be at least a factor when it comes to their loaded roster as they run back essentially the same group that won the title. So while playing time won’t be guaranteed for Springer, he’ll still look to work on his craft behind the scenes — and that starts now through Summer League.
“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.”
