AJ Reeves did not make the Boston Celtics regular-season roster for the 2022-23 NBA season after playing with the team’s Las Vegas Summer League squad.
Instead, Reeves signed an Exhibit-10 deal to join the Maine Celtics, Boston’s Portland-based G League affiliate. For the Roxbury native, the name on the front of the jersey is what gives him a lift on the court, according to the Providence College alumnus in a recent article by Boston.com’s Khari Thompson.
“It’s really surreal,” offered the Swampscott High School graduate of being signed to the hometown NBA team — even if only their developmental affiliate.
“Any time I have the chance to put the word Celtics across my chest, I feel like I have the whole city behind me whether it’s in Maine or in Boston. Everybody wants to see the local guy win,” he explained.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 2, 2022
Excited to have the opportunity to play in Portland for the Maine Celtics despite not making the parent club’s roster, Reeves relayed that his journey to his ultimate goal of making the NBA is a reward unto itself.
“If you’re working to just make the cut, you’re not working for the right thing,” he suggested.
“You’ve got to work to surpass the bar and surpass your ceiling. It’s great that I’m here. I want to stay.”
The St. Louis native is not even the most popular Tatum in the wider Celtics family, with his son Deuce claiming that title for himself. https://t.co/3qEkgCAvMJ
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 3, 2022
“I’m continuing to work so that they don’t have a reason to say no,” the 6-foot-6, 205-pound guard said. His size and shooting ability may give him a leg up to making the NBA if he can get the game to slow down for him.
“I’m trying to do everything possible to keep it going and stay a professional as long as I can.”
Part of the process was the time he spent with Boston’s summer league squad, soaking up the knowledge of some of the older prospects on the team known for their shooting like Sam Hauser.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 3, 2022
“I tried to learn from the guys who are knocking down shots in front of me and just pick their brain about spots, getting my shot off and ways to attack,” he explained.
With that kind of mentality coupled with a strong work ethic, we might very well see the local guy make good and end up on a two way deal for Boston or perhaps another team.
Though we’re pretty sure Reeves wouldn’t mind it being the Celtics.
Given what we know (and what we don’t), why do the Brooklyn Nets want to hire Ime Udoka? https://t.co/69DcqDfZVq
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 3, 2022
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