Celtics Rookies Young, Powell Making Strides in the NBA Development League

Boston Celtics rookies Dwight Powell and James Young entered the game against the San Antonio Spurs with four minutes, 19 seconds left. Young finished with two points, while Powell chipped in six in a blowout loss.

Later that week, they both started for the Maine Red Claws. Young exploded for 31 points on 9-of-16 shooting (7-of-10 on three pointers), while Powell dropped 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting in a come-from-behind victory over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

So far the Red Claws are 2-2 without Young and Powell and are undefeated when either one plays. A preliminary case can be made that the Red Claws need Young and Powell. What’s certain is Young and Powell need the Red Claws.

Being a rotational player for the Celtics remains the goal for Powell and Young, but right now they are not quite ready. Being an Eastern Conference team should lead to plenty of mop-up duty in blowouts. But they get little out of being force-fed scoring opportunities during garbage time.

Getting big minutes in the NBA Development League fills the playing-time void for the rookies. Instead of throwing up a couple of worthless shots during exhibition time, Powell and Young get to develop their play in actual games under similar intensity they will face in the NBA. It’s the kind of preparation they wouldn’t get if they stayed in Boston all season long.

Boston took total control of the Red Claws in 2012 after sharing the franchise with the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Bobcats for the 2011-12 season. This year Boston promoted Maine assistant coach Scott Morrison to head coach. Then Morrison spent two months learning the Celtics’ playbook from head coach Brad Stevens, ensuring continuity between Boston and Maine.

The Red Claws were useful to Boston before, but the Celtics are taking full advantage of their affiliate as Boston is exploiting all benefits now. Sending draft picks north for work is nothing new, as Avery Bradley, Fab Melo and Kris Joseph spent time with the Red Claws.

This year the training camp invites that didn’t make the cut with Boston are being groomed as the Celtics keep an eye on them. Tim Frazier, Christian Watford and Rodney McGruder, if they play well, could get called up to Boston if the Celtics suffer through a rash of injuries or if trades open roster spots. Chris Babb and Chris Johnson received call-ups last year.

What could be different in the future is Boston developing athletes that become NBA players. Last year, Red Claws guard Shelvin Mack, a 2013 D-League All-Star, went from signing a 10-day contract with the Atlanta Hawks last season to signing a three-year deal with the Hawks in 2014. Hopefully the next Red Claw player who graduates to the NBA doesn’t slip through Boston’s fingers.

That player could be Powell. The 45th selection in the 2014 NBA draft, the four-year Stanford product is a power forward with the range to stretch the floor. While that makes Powell similar to Kelly Olynyk, Powell’s athleticism sets him apart. His physical abilities would be a welcomed addition to Boston’s frontcourt.

Boston hopes Young becomes a permanent fixture in its rotation at some point this season. For a team searching for a closer, Young’s shooting and range would make him a go-to candidate in late-game situations.

But neither will become Celtics regulars until they improve their all-around game. Powell has to be more than just a finesse stretch 4. Young needs to be a better defender to earn minutes from Stevens.

When Powell and Young are ready to be full-time Celtics is up to them. Powell and Young will keep practicing with Boston during the week, then take their homework to Maine. The 106-mile commute to Portland isn't appealing, but the D-League internship is preparing them to not just make the Celtics’ active roster, but to play consistently.

Years ago then-coach Doc Rivers expected Melo to dominate during his D-League assignment. That’s apparently Powell and Young’s approach. They are currently the Red Claws’ leading scorers, while Powell is also leading Maine in rebounds by a wide margin.

On Saturday against the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Powell logged his second double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds while Young had 19 points. These are valuable minutes for a pair of players who barely see the floor when dressed in green and white. That will eventually change for Powell and Young as they gain confidence and polish their games with the Red Claws.

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