Cue the violins, as the Boston Celtics have announced that they’ve signed 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall in what’s been a highly anticipated move.
Fall, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Celtics shortly after the 2019 NBA Draft, played for the UCF Knights for four seasons before entering the draft, averaging 11.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in that span. He was, more or less, able to translate that level of play to the Summer League circuit on his way to averaging 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game (20.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per 36 minutes).
Though the Celtics are aware of the big man’s weaknesses, with free-throw shooting, low-post skill and physical strength among them, they’re also impressed by his character, intelligence, work ethic and size. The combination of which has given them confidence in extending a deal to him.
Fall’s contract may be similar to guard-forward Javonte Green’s, which was a partially-guaranteed two-year deal that would get Green through training camp on the Celtics’ roster. However, both are expected to fight for the one non-guaranteed spot on Boston’s roster, while the Celtics’ two-way players — guards Max Strus and Tremont Waters — may get their chance as well.
Fans will be clamoring for a Fall jersey should he beat out his competition in training camp.
[Update at 7:25 p.m. EST]
Per the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach, Fall’s contract is still an Exhibit 10 deal, rather than a partially or fully-guaranteed rookie scale contract.
Fall may still earn the last spot on the Celtics’ roster.
