Boston Celtics: Looking deeper into the rookies after Summer League

Carsen Edwards

Carsen Edwards is potentially the steal of the draft at 6-feet and 200 pounds with a little bit of Russell Westbrook and a sprinkling of Derrick Rose.

Carsen Edwards seemed to thrive in Summer League, averaging 19.4 points,1.4 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 23.3 minutes per game.  He displayed an impressive shooting ability and a fearlessness when driving the lane, both scoring and dishing at will.

His performance when in transition was the biggest surprise during his Summer League outings, as in college he was average ranking in the 50th percentile. However, his pull-up jumper would have come as no surprise to Purdue fans.

Edwards was hitting these all season, ranking above the 80th percentile when driving either side of the floor.

Impressive in iso situations and respectable coming off of screen during college, this showed on the next level with multiple plays throughout his five Summer League outings. These are translatable skills which will bode well in the NBA.

In 262 plays as the ball-handler in the pick and roll, Edwards scored 225 points — not great and definitely needs improvement if he is to survive against NBA defenses. He has the body control and strength to handle the defender coming over the top. C

onversely, the ability to stop on a dime change his pace or direction will be his greatest asset should the defender go under or into the pick.

With the second unit guard positions far from nailed down for the Boston Celtics, expect Edwards to be provided with opportunities to compete with Brad Wanamaker for the second-string point guard position throughout the early part of the season.

The question is, can Edwards grasp his opportunity and become a contributing member of this team immediately? in my opinion, he will be the second unit’s point guard before the All-Star break.