Kawhi Leonard finally traded; Marcus Smart back to the Celtics?

BOSTON – As well as anyone can look into the game of the summer league, it should never be considered a unique barometer for the success of the NBA.

There have been countless players who dominate the ground at this time of year, to become NBA doormats when games really matter.

More than anything else, the summer league helps teams get a better idea of ​​their bench – a place where most summer leaguers will be even if they are on a list.

And the Celtics must feel good the second division players who were on the field in the Boston Summer League

Semi Ojeleye, Guerschon Yabusele, and Jabari Bird were all reserves (or in the Bird case, a contract player), who are likely to

All were considered to have a significant need for improvement as the offspring approached.

Ojeleye was essentially a talented defender who, offensively, was a catch-and-shoot guy who only took corner 3 last season.

In the summer league, Ojeleye put the ball on the ground more than we ever saw in addition to finishing at the rim for lay-ups or dunks.

And Yabusele, who at times seemed dazed and confused on the ground, was much more badertive in his decision making – qualities that he must display when the camp starts in September and he is competing for a few minutes on the bench.

Bird was the star of the Celtics this summer, solidifying himself as a player who will be on someone's NBA lineup – he's not back to Boston – this season.

The athleticism that characterizes Bird's play for years was on display in Las Vegas. More than anything, he was showing heightened attention to detail while being consistent at both ends of the floor – traits he will need to show more he's back with the Celtics and wants to compete for a few minutes on the bench. [19659002WhilethefansofCelticshavebeenstressedbythestrongleadershipofOjeleyeYabuseleetBirdconsideredbytheboutiqueoftherestrictedreservesthatwillprobablyprobablythefirstoptionsoftheBostoncettesaisonbancage

Yet, they all have shown skills that, at a minimum, give hope to Boston that when they will be called, they will be ready to improve and to contribute to a higher level than last season.

And as we know with all Brad Stevens teams Players must always be ready to play regardless of the depth of their dive in the depth chart

Ojeleye is a good example.

Second round pick last year, Ojeleye played limited minutes most of the season. only to find himself inserted in the street of the Celtics In 1965, Mike Yewusele and Yabusele saw sporadic minutes, which was largely due to the fact that it was not effective in the minutes it was allocated. Still, the Yabusele we saw last season was not as mobile, athletic or punchy as the one we saw that helped Boston to a 4-2 record in the summer.

Bird, on a two-way contract last season, did enough to deserve at least a serious consideration for a spot on the 15-lineup.

The three players raised the level of play. expectations for fans, and although it was certainly a good sign, they are not the only ones to mean that they are A strong performance in the summer leagues can certainly be part of puzzle of a Celtics team that qualifies for the NBA Finals.