Surprise Celtics addition just made his case for something bigger

Former San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey made an unexpected appearance for the Boston Celtics in their Summer League game on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas. Despite practicing with the team in Boston and Las Vegas beforehand, his addition to the roster was unannounced.

Bassey revealed the move was "last minute," prompted by a call from his agent leading to an immediate flight to join the Celtics as they began training camp. Head coach Matt Reynolds only learned Bassey would join shortly before Day 1 of camp, with Bassey participating starting on Day 2.

Entering camp a day late, Bassey was the least-prepared player. Nevertheless, he made a significant impact off the bench in the first game. His NBA experience was evident as he outperformed Memphis' big men on offensive rebounds (securing seven) and set solid perimeter screens. Coach Reynolds acknowledged Bassey was behind on terminology but emphasized his clear, huge impact on the game.

Bassey finished the game with 14 points, 11 rebounds (seven offensive), and two blocks, shooting 6-of-8 from the floor. He described his contributions as "great effort, my rebounding, blocking shots, rim protection," and "great defense," stating he focuses on playing his defined role for the team every night.

Having spent the past three years as a backup with the Spurs, Bassey is now an unrestricted free agent. The Spurs' recent signings (Luke Kornet, Kelly Olynyk) suggest he will seek a new team. Boston's center rotation is currently unsettled, featuring Neemias Queta, Luke Garza, Xavier Tillman Sr., and rookie Amari Williams, potentially creating an opportunity for the 24-year-old Bassey.

Bassey cited the Celtics' "culture," including the coaching staff and star players like Jayson Tatum, as his reason for joining, emphasizing the chance to learn. He highlighted the elite energy of the playoff-bound team, praising the practice environment, gym atmosphere, and overall vibes, stating "I love it."