How much can Boston Celtics expect from Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langfords development during the offseason?
Jayson Tatums busy starring on an international stage for the Olympics while Jaylen Brown is rehabbing from wrist surgery this summer, though hes busy in his own right. The Celtics future is bright because of their two All-Stars, both of whom are locked up in the long-term. But there are still some question marks behind them. Bostons team strength comes from its droves of wings, but depth was an issue last season amid COVID-19 and injuries. That puts the spotlight squarely on the Celtics many younger prospects, who theyll rely on as they get deeper into their careers. Guys like Aaron Nesmith and Romeo Langford are intriguing pieces as Boston looks to revamp its roster this offseason. Both are former first-round picks who have shown flashes of talent as NBA players. Langfords been bogged down significantly by injuries throughout his career, but hes finally entering a healthy offseason where he can work on his game. He missed the entire first half of last season then contracted COVID-19 right when he was ready to return to the court. Nesmith endured a trying rookie season during the pandemic, where normalcy was never the expectation. He started off slow, barely playing, but found a rotation spot under Brad Stevens as the season went along. Nesmiths playstyle  one with a sort of reckless abandon  quickly endeared him to the Boston faithful. Both players possess similar skillsets, though there are differentiating levels to them. The Celtics hope they can become role players who can defend and hit 3-pointers. There are levels of depth to them, though. Stevens tinkered with Langford at point guard last season, potentially tapping into his playmaking self. Nesmith shot 37% on 3-pointers on the year, including a renewed sense of confidence late into the year. As a bonus: Both players get a full summer to work on their games. Theyll do so knowing theyll get a new head coach in Ime Udoka, whos expected to be tough-minded but can connect to the players. While Udokas time in Boston will be judged on how he retains his stars, his development of guys like Nesmith and Langford will be another low-key factor. Summer League in Las Vegas should also be another avenue for the young players, including someone like Payton Pritchard. Langford doesnt necessarily have to play because hes a third-year player, but hes only suited up in 50 career NBA games through two seasons. More playing time will only benefit the 21-year-old. Nesmith and Pritchard, both 2020 first-round picks, were in the same awkward spot where Summer League wasnt an option for them because of the pandemic. That put Nesmith, especially, in a brutal spot. Nesmiths final season at Vanderbilt was cut short to injury, meaning a long, extended period where he didnt play live basketball ahead of his first NBA season. It checks out how he struggled in his first handful of months of pro ball considering all the hardships he endured. Langford and Nesmith were occasionally-used bench pieces throughout 2020-21, though that was dependent on health, of course. If one or both of them can be bonafied rotation players, thatll ease the pressure off the Celtics. Thats the type of improvement Stevens mentioned after Boston saw its season come to an end.