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Boston Celtics: Romeo Langford proving why team didn’t make a deal

By Justin Trombino

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 5: Romeo Langford #45 of the Boston Celtics goes in for a layup against the Orlando Magic in the second half at TD Garden on February 5, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 5: Romeo Langford #45 of the Boston Celtics goes in for a layup against the Orlando Magic in the second half at TD Garden on February 5, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics are starting to see the type of player Romeo Langford can become and that may explain why they didn’t make a deal at the trade deadline.

After missing thirty-six games to start his rookie season, the Boston Celtics are finally able to see what Romeo Langford, their top first-round draft choice in 2019, can bring to the table.

Langford’s career started off by being on the injury report after requiring hand surgery due to a torn ligament in his right thumb prior to the NBA Draft. It was surprising to say the least to see the Celtics draft an unpolished and injured player.

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While the other three rookies in his draft class were training and practicing during Summer League and preseason, Langford was rehabbing his hand and relearning/perfecting his shooting motion after having surgery in his dominant hand.

Now that Langford is healthy and feeling confident in his own abilities on the court, he’s starting to carve a role for himself in the Celtics’ rotation; all while making an impact in games. He even notched in his first career start against the Orlando Magic earlier this week.

In his most recent game against the Atlanta Hawks, Langford stepped his game up and showed us what his developed potential could one day become. In a valiant effort, Langford contributed to a Celtics victory by finishing the game with an impressive 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 1 steal off the bench.

What’s most noticeable about Langford is how incredibly instinctual he is while on the court. He’s long and very mobile, capable of offering double-teams, extremely aware, and has shown he can be a two-way player for the Celtics moving forward.

After the game, Langford told The Athletic’s Jay King that he could always play defense and that it was just a matter of him going out there and doing it.

One aspect of Langford’s game that can’t be denied is his determination and worth ethic to improve. It’s worth mentioning Boston Celtics’ assistant coach, Joe Mazzulla, has been training Langford since he first arrived in Boston after being drafted.

Langford has been going to the gym to constantly work out and train with Mazzulla on his shooting and his confidence. He has a long way to go, but we’re seeing their hard work is starting to pay off.

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Although the Boston Celtics are more in need of a big man over another wing player, perhaps the Celtics were reluctant during the trading period because they’re able to see firsthand the progression of Langford and feel he’s going to have more of a role during the second half of the season.

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