Boston Celtics: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason
By Adam Taylor
Kicking the tires on Tacko Fall
Tacko Fall is technically a Boston Celtics player, as he was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract at the start of the summer. This contract could be converted to a full contract, converted to a two-way deal or waived with the Celtics getting Fall’s G-League assignment rights.
The coaching staff, meanwhile, will have through training camp to make their final assessments.
The undrafted rookie showed promise at UCF by posting 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 0.5 assists over 33 games last year. However, it was not enough to earn him a spot in the NBA draft — much to the delight of Celtics fans.
Moving into Summer League, Fall became the main attraction after Zion Williamson was withdrawn from the competition. His unmistakable frame and humble attitude endeared him to fans around the world, regardless of the team they were there to support.
A Summer League stat line of 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.2 assists over 12.6 minutes a game does not scream NBA-ready. But he did enough to impress the coaching staff and put himself in contention for either a two-way contract or the final available roster spot.
There will be a debate if Fall is actually ready to be an NBA player, or if he ever will be ready at all. But 7-foot-6 players do not come around often, especially ones as mobile as Fall.
A stint in the G-League coupled with 45 days in the NBA is the most realistic outcome in the coming season, providing the team control of the player while monitoring his progression slowly.