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With the draft in the rearview and the Celtics staring at the start of free agency and (hopefully) a conclusion to this Jaylen Brown trade saga, it’s been an eventful last two weeks in Boston. But for anybody who misses the squeaking of sneakers on the parquet, we’re also just a week away from actual basketball. The NBA Summer League starts on July 9th in Las Vegas with Boston playing on Friday and Sunday to kick off their exhibition schedule next week.
Frankly, it’ll be a nice break from all the drama.
At the draft, the Celtics selected Chris Cenac Jr. with the 27th pick in the first round and on Night 2, went with Dillon Mitchell at #40. Both will be at The Strip for their first NBA action. Tatum’s friend from their Duke days, Amile Jefferson, will be the head coach.
Cenac was the fifth ranked high school player in 2025 before being coached hard as a system player under Kelvin Sampson at The University of Houston. As CelticsBlog’s Rich Jensen writes:
Chris didn’t choose a school that would give him star treatment. He went with a coach who promised only that he would make him a better player. College was not a reward for being one of the best of the best, it was just another stop on the road.
Many draft experts love the kid’s potential and a standout performance from Cenac would be a great way to start off his career in Boston.
Hugo Gonzalez and Amari Williams are also expected to suit up for the Summer Celtics. Williams recently inked a new deal with the team to return on a two-way contract and Joe Mazzulla just spent some time in Spain with Gonzalez as he preps for FIBA play. For the sophomores, Summer League is a good proving ground to show that last season’s success wasn’t a fluke and what new things they’ve been working on since the season ended.
However, if a resolution hasn’t been reached, all eyes might be on Jaylen Brown and Brad Stevens. Traditionally, players, coaches, and front office staff also attend the Vegas proceedings to support the team, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be tension in Thomas & Mack or Cox Pavilion. Back in 2018, Marcus Smart and his agent attended a few games while he was still negotiating with Danny Ainge on a new deal, even going as far as talking with brass of other teams. Could there be an awkward or encouraging moment between Stevens and Brown amid all the drama? If there is, well, let’s just hope that whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
