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Celtics Fan Favorite Desperately Trying to Make His NBA Return

By Cem Yolbulan

Dec 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla directs his team against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla directs his team against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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Once the Boston Celtics signed undrafted free agent Tacko Fall after the 2019 NBA Draft, he became an instant fan favorite. The 7-foot-6 center from Senegal split his time between the G League and the Celtics, mostly playing in garbage time and as an emergency backup. His towering stature, shot-blocking, and post-up play were a constant fascination among NBA viewers.

Fall's NBA career wasn't a highly productive one. The pace-and-space era of basketball didn't suit his skill set, as he struggled to cover ground defensively. In 26 games with the Celtics in two seasons, Fall averaged 2.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 6.5 minutes per game. He had a brief stint with the Cavaliers afterward before deciding to continue his career overseas.

Since 2022, Fall spent two seasons in the Chinese Basketball Association before joining the New Zealand Breakers of the Australian NBL for the 2024-25 season. Despite a successful overseas career, the big man is still trying to return to the NBA.

In an interview with Sam Yip of HoopsHype, the 29-year-old revealed that he is still waiting for the right opportunity in the NBA. Fall said that even though he loved being with the Celtics, it wasn't the right situation for him since it didn't give him a chance to play extended minutes. He added that if he were to find the right team in the NBA, he could show that he is a rotation-level player.

"I believe I have the skillset. I mean obviously I have the size. I do know I have the skillset. I wasn’t fortunate to be in the situations where I have a lot of opportunities to be able to show that, so when that opportunity comes, I just gotta show that."

- Tacko Fall

Fall continued to add that he could do a lot of the things Rudy Gobert can do on the court. Whether we will get a chance to see Fall suit up for an NBA team again remains to be seen, but it's great to see a former Celtics icon believing in himself. We will continue to keep an eye on Fall's journey.

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