LAS VEGAS — The Celtics have signed Hayden Grey to a contract with the Maine Celtics, a supply instructed CelticsBlog. Grey led the NCAA in steals final season, averaging 10.1 factors, 3.3 assists, and three.1 steals per recreation for UC San Diego.
He was a member of the Celtics’ Summer time League workforce and appeared in a single recreation this summer season, a 101-80 victory over the Hawks on Sunday evening. In that recreation, he tallied 7 factors (3-4 FG), 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block in his 20-minute debut. He stole a go lower than a minute after checking into the sport.
“I’ve fairly good anticipation, studying the ball handler’s eyes, understanding the place they need to go together with it,” Grey instructed CelticsBlog earlier this week.
“I take satisfaction in protection. Lots of groups are actually specializing in creating extra possessions, and I believe I can do this by inflicting turnovers and in addition simply being a flooring common, dealing with the ball, and setting the desk for everybody.”
Matt Reynolds, who coached the Celtics Summer time League workforce this month, took notice of Grey’s defensive impression in the course of the time they spent collectively.
“He‘s a man that he’s obtained a nostril for the ball, he had a transition block, downhill drive, kick out, end,” Reynolds stated. “He’s only a artful participant. However the large factor is he’s a really good participant, very savvy, and he’s attacking the basketball on protection. And I believe he’s going to have an effect wherever he performs.”
As he seems to be to finally break into an NBA rotation, Grey stated he’s been learning gamers like Derrick White and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guards Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace.
“Even within the Finals with the Thunder, you’re watching these guys a bit nearer than the opposite guys, simply because they play the same function to you,” Grey stated. “These guys are the most effective at it in your complete world. You may decide up little issues that they just do by watching their movie.”
How Hayden Grey landed with the Celtics
The Celtics introduced Grey in for a pre-draft exercise firstly of Could, and instantly, he was impressed.
“You possibly can inform that Boston is among the greatest organizations within the NBA — simply how they run issues, how the coaches carry themselves, how the entrance workplace carries itself,” Grey stated. “It’s actually good individuals throughout the constructing.”
On Saturday, earlier than he made his official Summer time League debut, Grey stated he was profiting from the chance with Boston regardless of restricted minutes. Subsequent, Grey will likely be a member of the Maine Celtics, the place he’ll play for Phil Pressey. Pressey was one of many lead assistants for Reynolds this Summer time League.
“I’m an undrafted rookie, so I’m actually attempting to simply be a sponge and simply soak in all the pieces I can,” Grey stated. “That is the very best stage of basketball on this planet. You’re round the most effective coaches, you’re round the most effective gamers. I’m actually attempting to benefit from the expertise.”
