Boston Celtics: Semi Ojeleye will make final roster

Semi Ojeleye was picked No. 37 overall by the Boston Celtics a few weeks ago in the 2017 NBA Draft, and there’s no reason he shouldn’t be on the opening night roster.

“Don’t take summer league too seriously.” Yes it’s something we’ve all heard, and admittedly it’s hard not to get excited about Jayson Tatum and others on this Boston Celtics Summer League roster. However, Semi Ojeleye is a guy I’m absolutely thrilled about. The 22 year old out of SMU can flat out play. He can shoot the three, and defend every position on the floor.

The Celtics got a STEAL.

Is this article hyping him up too much? Possibly. But, he’s a guy who originally went to Duke then transferred, so we know he definitely has some talent. He’s like a baby Jae Crowder. A versatile defender, strong, and can shoot the three.

Now, this might be the part where I get too excited, but I honestly believe he could be better than Jae Crowder. If Ojeleye can stay healthy, why wouldn’t he be able to surpass Crowder?

Brad Stevens was at Summer League last night and definitely sounded like he wanted Ojeleye on his final roster.

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"“I think what he’s doing translates,” Stevens said, as transcribed by The Bosotn Herald. “That’s the thing with Semi. I didn’t know coming in that he could be matched up on 5s for possessions because of his leverage and his strength, but I thought the biggest key to winning the Lakers game was him guarding (7-foot-1 center Ivica) Zubac and stretching Zubac out. So his flexibility defensively is going to be enormous.“I mean, I think that he will compete to be one of our better defenders right out of the gate.”"

Now doesn’t that sound like a guy who knows Ojeleye will be on his opening night roster?

Honestly, he fits what the Celtics are looking for. Can defend multiple positions, hit threes and is a strong defender.

Besides Tatum, I truly believe Ojeleye has looked the most impressive out of all the Celtics rookies. He’s a little older, which I think actually plays to his advantage. He’s been able to play a little longer in college, work on his game and understand the actual game of basketball better.

Put him out there with Morris, Smart, Crowder, and Brown. Now that’s a lineup that’ll give opposing offenses absolute fits.

Next: Boston Celtics big man Ante Zizic has a long way to go

I know he’s still going to be a rookie once the season starts, but I’m excited for what he can bring to this team. Can we fast forward to opening night please?

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