What was a strength for the Boston Celtics has now turned into a weakness. Boston had a bunch of depth at the center position last season, and that was even with the oft-injured Kristaps Porzingis. Well, Porzingis is now gone, traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Luke Kornet has moved on to the San Antonio Spurs, signing a four-year deal to join them. While Al Horford is still unsigned, most believe it is inevitable that he will eventually sign with the Golden State Warriors. With three centers now gone, could Charles Bassey make the Celtics roster?
This Summer League Standout Looking To Make Celtics Roster
Charles Bassey Off To Great Start In Celtics Summer League
It was a last-minute decision for Charles Bassey to join the Celtics in Summer League action. The 6-foot-10 center is one of the more-experienced players taking part in the games in Las Vegas. He has already played four seasons in the NBA, including the last three with San Antonio. Bassey’s first season came with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021-22.
The 24-year-old has now appeared in both of the Summer League outings that the Celtics have taken part in. Bassey had performed well in both of them.
On Sunday, the Celtics defeated the New York Knicks by the score of 94-81. Bassey played 22 minutes off the bench in the victory. He finished the contest with team-highs across the board in points (22), rebounds (13), and blocks (3). The four-year veteran shot 8-12 from the field and 6-6 from the free-throw line.
Sunday wasn’t Bassey’s first impressive outing in the Summer League though. Two days prior (Friday, July 11), Boston came out on top 92-78 playing against the Memphis Grizzlies. Once again, Bassey shined while coming off the bench. Seeing 18 minutes on the floor, the center scored 14 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked two shots.
Yes, Bassey is doing this against much less-experienced players, but that’s exactly what he needs to be doing to prove he belongs on an NBA roster. Appearing in 36 games for the Spurs last season, Bassey posted averages of 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 10.4 minutes.
Celtics Missing A Standout Center
While the Celtics lost their top three centers from last season, that doesn’t mean their roster is empty of players who can play the five. None of them are sure-fire rotational pieces though.
Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman Sr. both are signed for this season. Those two only appeared in five games combined in the 2025 playoffs for 21 total minutes. They also signed Luka Garza in free agency to a minimum deal. He spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves mostly out of the rotation.
If Bassey continues to show out in Summer League, Boston could put him on their preseason roster. With the Celtics having few proven performers at the center position, just maybe Massey could find his way on Boston’s opening day roster if he continues to do well in the preseason.
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