Romeo Langford - Pick #14

[lovegtm]

View: https://twitter.com/taylorcsnow/status/1385371975170801667


His transition defense and his second jump are so good.

Yup, his defensive potential has popped off the tape even from last year. He needs reps, but his upside there is insanely high.

Re ball-handling: the Celtics base offense with Tatum/Brown likes to use other guys as ball-handlers, so there are plenty of reps there if Romeo can take a summer and get competent at that. The Celtics should sort of hope it takes him some time to get there, because if he starts showing that ability consistently before the end of year 3, people here are going to choke at how high the RFA/extension number gets.

 

[the moops]

Didn't that dude just blow the layup?

 

[Cellar-Door]

Didn't that dude just blow the layup?

Romeo angled him out and made him take it from a poor angle, he was fading out behind the backboard. Usually that's a dunk, but Romeo got ahead of him and beat him to the rim.

 

[the moops]

Romeo angled him out and made him take it from a poor angle, he was fading out behind the backboard. Usually that's a dunk, but Romeo got ahead of him and beat him to the rim.

Ok I can see that, but if anything it was a solid defensive play, nothing that should result in a "my god, what a defensive sequence" response

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Ok I can see that, but if anything it was a solid defensive play, nothing that should result in a "my god, what a defensive sequence" response

Not only did he alter the layup but he also got back into the play and stole the ball from the offensive rebounder. I mean that was as awesome sequence as you’ll see in a league where either play generally results in two points......he stopped them both!

 

[lovegtm]

Ok I can see that, but if anything it was a solid defensive play, nothing that should result in a "my god, what a defensive sequence" response

It was very good transition D, just take the L and move on. He has plenty of really high-end halfcourt defensive clips if you want those.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Ok I can see that, but if anything it was a solid defensive play, nothing that should result in a "my god, what a defensive sequence" response

It's a really good chasedown in transition, then a turnaround back onto the court before anyone else to block the putback. He turned what should have been a dunk into a loose ball, then turned a second dunk into a turnover that lead to a break the other way.

Romeo's defense isn't always good, but that's a terrific sequence, it's Danny Green/Marcus Smart levels of transition D for that possession.

 

[DourDoerr]

Completely impressed by RL's D. The sequence mentioned above betrays a high level of athleticism and, importantly, defensive BBIQ as well as a high level of compete and motor. Romeo doesn't give up and his name is totally misleading - he's a bulldog. There was another sequence in which the Suns were playing volleyball at the rim and took 3 shots when Romeo came off his man and bodied the lone Suns big camped under the rim. The ball would've went straight into the Suns player's hands, but Romeo got the rebound instead and killed the Suns' possession. He gets it (at least on D). What a great weapon to bring off the bench - he's got a plus tool.

 

[benhogan]

Ok I can see that, but if anything it was a solid defensive play, nothing that should result in a "my god, what a defensive sequence" response

Definitely not as eyepopping as a TimeLord swat into the 5th row but extremely effective (twice without fouling). He's doing this every game around the rim on wings/PGs. Brad will scheme something to make him somewhat useful on offense if Romeo can continue to play defense like this.

 

[TripleOT]

His defense has been impressive, but can a guy stay in a rotation when making only one basket every 17 minutes?

 

[Auger34]

His defense has been impressive, but can a guy stay in a rotation when making only one basket every 17 minutes?

I think this post could apply to the entire bench (other than Pritchard, Parker and TT). Definitely can on this team

 

[teddykgb]

I think his defense is being overrated because as fans we want him to succeed but I am encouraged that he seems more than comfortable at NBA game speed. For young players that’s often half the battle and he never looks overwhelmed by the speed of the game.

The offense doesn’t look very promising but they’re burying him in the corner and having him watch so it’s hard to expect too much. You’d like to see him driving more close outs and maybe being a focal point in weaker lineups but for now he at least looks like a real NBA bench player

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

His defense has been impressive, but can a guy stay in a rotation when making only one basket every 17 minutes?

If he's good enough on defense. Romee had a usage rating of 5.4% last night, which means he hardly ever touched the ball. And by watching the game, you can tell - he hardly even touched the ball.

Romee isn't playing 30 mpg when the Cs are at full strength but he'll play some rotation minutes because of his defense. It seems that Brad is way more comfortable giving minutes to guys he can trust on defense, which makes sense given the number of scorers the Cs have otherwise.

I think his defense is being overrated because as fans we want him to succeed

Overrated how? Other than Marcus, is there a better guard defender on the Cs roster than Romeo? No one's saying that he's All-NBA-defensive at this point but the simple fact remains, he's either 1 or 2 on the Cs in terms of on-ball defense. Which is, unfortunately, not the highest bar to cross.

 

[slamminsammya]

The offense doesn’t look very promising but they’re burying him in the corner and having him watch so it’s hard to expect too much. You’d like to see him driving more close outs and maybe being a focal point in weaker lineups but for now he at least looks like a real NBA bench player

What close outs? There is no real reason to close Langford out at this point and that is why you don't really see them.

 

[lovegtm]

I think his defense is being overrated because as fans we want him to succeed but I am encouraged that he seems more than comfortable at NBA game speed. For young players that’s often half the battle and he never looks overwhelmed by the speed of the game.

The offense doesn’t look very promising but they’re burying him in the corner and having him watch so it’s hard to expect too much. You’d like to see him driving more close outs and maybe being a focal point in weaker lineups but for now he at least looks like a real NBA bench player

I watch a fair amount of NBA basketball, and even if Romeo were not in green, I'd be thinking "shit, that guy is going to be a menace defensively, wonder whether his offense will let him stay on the floor."

The lack of reps his first two years has really set him back on that end.

 

[Euclis20]

I watch a fair amount of NBA basketball, and even if Romeo were not in green, I'd be thinking "shit, that guy is going to be a menace defensively, wonder whether his offense will let him stay on the floor."

The lack of reps his first two years has really set him back on that end.

I don't see him as a standout yet (in this regard), but it's encouraging to see potential for one of our bench guys to be ++ at anything. That said, if Marcus Smart had been the defender in that clip above everyone would be flipping out ("Smart does it again!").

 

[reggiecleveland]

Overrated how? Other than Marcus, is there a better guard defender on the Cs roster than Romeo? No one's saying that he's All-NBA-defensive at this point but the simple fact remains, he's either 1 or 2 on the Cs in terms of on-ball defense. Which is, unfortunately, not the highest bar to cross.

I was slammed for calling him average, but that is an underrated term. At my lake is a 6000 foot vacation home with a fleet speedboats belonging to a guy that was an average NHL defenseman for 14 years. If the Sox get average starting pitching they would be over the moon. Romeo is among a group of bench guys who are not average size or athleticism athletically. Adding guy with the size and athleticism to be an average NBA wing defender is a huge upgrade, especially when considering his youth and inexperience.

And please don't come back at me that he is an exceptional NBA athlete. Russell Westbrook, Zach Levine, Aaron Gordon, are exceptional NBA athletes. Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown are above average athletes.

 

[bellowthecat]

Reggie, I agree with you about Romeo and Tatum not being exceptional athletes in the league, but Jaylen? He sure seems like an exceptional athlete to me. Hops, speed, strength, body control... what am I missing? I absolutely put him athletically next to those other guys you listed.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Reggie, I agree with you about Romeo and Tatum not being exceptional athletes in the league, but Jaylen? He sure seems like an exceptional athlete to me. Hops, speed, strength, body control... what am I missing? I absolutely put him athletically next to those other guys you listed.

If that's the case then Romeo is the same, Romeo and Jaylen are basically the same player athletically.

I don't know if I put them in the very top tier, but I think Romeo and Jaylen are a tier above Tatum, and both are clearly well above average, to the point where describing them as league average athletes is incorrect.

 

[bellowthecat]

I guess I don't see it with Romeo. Romeo has NBA athleticism, but he doesn't seem nearly as strong or quick as Jaylen at any point in his career. Maybe I am being biased by having more tape on Jaylen over the years. I guess Romeo has flashed a quick first step similar to Jaylen. What else should I be looking for to make better evaluations?

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

And please don't come back at me that he is an exceptional NBA athlete. Russell Westbrook, Zach Levine, Aaron Gordon, are exceptional NBA athletes. Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown are above average athletes.

If you're talking leaping, yes JB and JT may be above-average. But JB - if you recall, there was a work-out video of him racing AJ Bouye during the summer. AJ Bouye is 6'1" 190-ish and runs a 4.4. 40. JB didn't beat him but kept up with him.

A guy who is 6'7" and runs a 4.5. 40 is pretty special athletically (and probably would have made a lot of money being a rush end in the NFL).

I guess I don't see it with Romeo. Romeo has NBA athleticism, but he doesn't seem nearly as strong or quick as Jaylen at any point in his career. Maybe I am being biased by having more tape on Jaylen over the years. I guess Romeo has flashed a quick first step similar to Jaylen. What else should I be looking for to make better evaluations?

You have to look other than leaping ability (though Romee is a good leaper). His athleticism has to do with his quickness and what I think we'll see as a change of pace. Sure, he's not Russell Westbrook, Zach Levine, or Aaron Gordon but Romie is athletic enough to play in the NBA. And play well (depending on how well he shoots).

View: https://twitter.com/timi_093/status/1143913133418909701

 

[ugmo33]

I was slammed for calling him average, but that is an underrated term. At my lake is a 6000 foot vacation home with a fleet speedboats belonging to a guy that was an average NHL defenseman for 14 years. If the Sox get average starting pitching they would be over the moon. Romeo is among a group of bench guys who are not average size or athleticism athletically. Adding guy with the size and athleticism to be an average NBA wing defender is a huge upgrade, especially when considering his youth and inexperience.

And please don't come back at me that he is an exceptional NBA athlete. Russell Westbrook, Zach Levine, Aaron Gordon, are exceptional NBA athletes. Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown are above average athletes.

Thanks....you made me look up a highlight reel of Westbrook dunks...such an unbelievable athlete and the most vicious dunker I have ever seen

 

[reggiecleveland]

Again, it is insane to be an average NBA athlete. He may be even very good. But, part of him falling, fear of him busting is a lack of what he showed as a younger guy, blowing by everyone, etc. Jayen is not a huge leaper, but his quickness pops

If that's the case then Romeo is the same, Romeo and Jaylen are basically the same player athletically.

I don't know if I put them in the very top tier, but I think Romeo and Jaylen are a tier above Tatum, and both are clearly well above average, to the point where describing them as league average athletes is incorrect.

I agree with this. Brown's quickness was obvious from day 1. That was an error.

With Romeo maybe he just isn't in top fitness yet. I think there is concern that the way he blew by everyone, including all the top tier guys, in high school, has for some reason not been present, and wasn't totally present in college either. But he really hasn't played in a year. TT was out of shape and missed the first 1 or 50 lobs thrown to him this year, now he is dunking lobs again. But with Romeo, I see him losing 50-50 balls, guys rebounding over his back, but this could be fitness.

I wrote in the Tatum thread my observation that the young wings on the Cs are not welcomed by the guys with the ball to the point they play with confident abandon. As I mentioned I spoke to a g-league coach who said Romeo was a hit/miss guy since he had shown talent, a ton of talent, but hasn't put it together.

 

[Bleedred]

Friends, Romeo-lovers, Greenteamers, I come to bury Romeo, not to praise him. First, I respect the hell out of the basketball knowledge of a bunch of posters here (benhogan, lovegtm, HRB, etc.). That said, right now, Romeo Langford is not a very good basketball player. He cannot shoot for his life, he’s a poor ball handler for an NBA guard. He’s an ok passer. His defense looks like it might (might, I say) be a plus skill, but because he’s the 2nd best guard defender on a Celtics team that is slightly above average on defense, that does not make him a “menace” on the defensive end. Not yet anyway. Folks rightly say that his development has been stunted because he hasn’t been on the floor. Of course, the reason he hasn’t had that chance to develop is that he is injury prone. He has lost major time in each of the last 3 seasons (college/pro), which is not exactly a confidence builder. Bad luck? Maybe, but it's not a good thing. Some of the comments in this thread, imo, are just silly: “His upside is insanely high.” Really, insanely? “He’s a great weapon to bring off the bench.” Really, he’s a great weapon at this point in his career?

I wish him nothing but the best and hope he emerges to be the player that many here clearly wish he will become. It’s cool to see the enthusiasm about his potential, and I would love to have this post shoved down my throat when he’s wreaking havoc in the NBA next year or the year after on a team friendly contract. But right now, as of April 23, 2021, Romeo Langford is an underachieving, below average NBA basketball player with some potential. That's about it.

 

[Cellar-Door]

I think there is little reason to think Romeo isn't a plus defender right now.. he has 33 NBA games, and grades out as a borderline elite defender in terms of on-ball defense. Now it's still a small sample, but it's big enough that while you might not be able to say he's truly elite, there is little reason to think he's anything below a good defender.

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

But right now, as of April 23, 2021, Romeo Langford is an underachieving, below average NBA basketball player with some potential. That's about it.

Right now, Romeo is a NBA basketball player who has played 42 games in his career and has at least 3 top scoring players in front of him. His USG% is 9.7% this year. He's a guy who Brad trusts on defense.

Think of it this way. TL played 32 games his first year. It takes time to develop in the NBA.

 

[Bleedred]

Right now, Romeo is a NBA basketball player who has played 42 games in his career and has at least 3 top scoring players in front of him. His USG% is 9.7% this year. He's a guy who Brad trusts on defense.

Think of it this way. TL played 32 games his first year. It takes time to develop in the NBA.

Completely and totally agree. I'm hopeful he develops into a meaningful, 20 minute + player per game. Just don't think he's remotely there yet.

 

[Euclis20]

I think there is little reason to think Romeo isn't a plus defender right now.. he has 33 NBA games, and grades out as a borderline elite defender in terms of on-ball defense. Now it's still a small sample, but it's big enough that while you might not be able to say he's truly elite, there is little reason to think he's anything below a good defender.

529 minutes, which is about one solid month for an established starter. In that sort of sample, his grade doesn't mean anything (and the fact that it's usually against backups devalues it further). I wish I had the enthusiasm that some have for this guy, all we know for sure is that he's the best perimeter defender off the bench, when he's healthy (which is not often).

 

[Cellar-Door]

529 minutes, which is about one solid month for an established starter. In that sort of sample, his grade doesn't mean anything (and the fact that it's usually against backups devalues it further). I wish I had the enthusiasm that some have for this guy, all we know for sure is that he's the best perimeter defender off the bench, when he's healthy (which is not often).

I think it's about degree. That's enough minutes of elite defense to make it pretty unlikely he isn't at least above average. It's hypothetically possible for a young player to be elite defensively for that long (and in 2 separate stretches) and then fall off, but it's not likely.

 

[lovegtm]

I think it's about degree. That's enough minutes of elite defense to make it pretty unlikely he isn't at least above average. It's hypothetically possible for a young player to be elite defensively for that long (and in 2 separate stretches) and then fall off, but it's not likely.

Right: "sample size" is a concept that's applied extremely incorrectly extremely often. It's mostly applicable to inherently high-variance things like basketballs going into nets, as opposed to physical abilities shown. If someone shows he can move his feet and defend NBA athletes, you don't need much of a "sample" to determine that that ability is real.

You only need to see Robert Williams convert some insane lob once to know his athleticism is real.

 

[HomeRunBaker]

Right: "sample size" is a concept that's applied extremely incorrectly extremely often. It's mostly applicable to inherently high-variance things like basketballs going into nets, as opposed to physical abilities shown. If someone shows he can move his feet and defend NBA athletes, you don't need much of a "sample" to determine that that ability is real.

You only need to see Robert Williams convert some insane lob once to know his athleticism is real.

So correct here! The question with Langford has always been motor and consistency rather than physical abilitiy. You’d expect his age to be a tremendous advantage when this is the case. It goes back to what defines upside......the physicals are already there we need for the offensive skill improvement (practice, reps, etc) and mental improvement (maturity) to catch up.

 

[benhogan]

Romeo is raw and inexperienced (~42 games). He's a little out of his depth right now, but CBS doesn't have much choice with all the injuries piling up. He's being force-fed into bad situations, like starting (w/Semi & TT). At this point in his growth, he should be used situationally, like physically guarding offensive wings for short minutes. Eventually, he'll athletically be able to guard the best wings in the game, that's what the Celtics kind of need with Tatum/Brown/Fournier/Kemba.

While losing regular-season games suck, the team is building future equity. You have to take the BAD (Romeo & Grant) with the GOOD (Payton & Nesmith) last night.

All those younguns will see DNP or small/defined roles in the playoffs with a healthy roster (if 1-7 isn't healthy, it's over anyway). Just can't get too hung up on regular-season player development

 

[EddieYost]

All those younguns will see DNP or small/defined roles in the playoffs with a healthy roster (if 1-7 isn't healthy, it's over anyway). Just can't get too hung up on regular-season player development

What does PP have to do to get people to think of him as the 8th guy in the rotation?

 

[HomeRunBaker]

What does PP have to do to get people to think of him as the 8th guy in the rotation?

All he has to do is be available to spell Kemba at the end of 1Q and (likely) start of the 4Q, although the latter can vary based on matchups, his 1H performance, etc.

 

[EddieYost]

Right. I guess my point is that I doubt he is going to get any DNP-CD in the playoffs. How much he plays will vary for sure, but I think his shooting makes him part of the rotation.

 

[teddykgb]

I think it's about degree. That's enough minutes of elite defense to make it pretty unlikely he isn't at least above average. It's hypothetically possible for a young player to be elite defensively for that long (and in 2 separate stretches) and then fall off, but it's not likely.

Guys who flash as elite defenders do it imo by taking on the toughest assignments and make some really impressive offensive players uncomfortable. I have a hard time saying he’s playing elite defense because some stats say he is when we aren’t seeing him just ruin someone’s day. He’s making good defensive plays, in general, and rotates fairly well. I would agree that something is there. But the way you guys talk about him as a fait accompli elite defender doesn’t pass the eye test to me. I think he’s mostly been protected and used in the right spots/matchups, which is smart. But as with all things in basketball, there’s a very clear pecking order in the court and the best defenders often get the toughest assignments and make their reputations by being adept in those situations.

 

[benhogan]

What does PP have to do to get people to think of him as the 8th guy in the rotation?

Yea, he's my #8 and really shouldn't be categorized with "other younguns", so thats fair.

I don't expect PP to see DNP-CD in the playoffs but teams have gone with 7-man rotations in elimination games.

TT definitely rounds out the top 7. There is a pretty clear delineation between #1-7 and the rest of the roster.
Pritchard is establishing himself as the 8th option. That's your playoff rotation.

Basically, 9-13 (Parker, Grant, Romeo, Semi, Kornet) are all situational role players that will see very scattered minutes in early playoff series games.

 

[DourDoerr]

Nm - original post screwed up beyond repair

 

[lovegtm]

What does PP have to do to get people to think of him as the 8th guy in the rotation?

Consistently hit those deep 3s (because he's short and his release is slow, so that's the only way to keep defenders spaced out), and put more scoring pressure on when he drives (probably needs more of a floater or short jumper).

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Right. I guess my point is that I doubt he is going to get any DNP-CD in the playoffs. How much he plays will vary for sure, but I think his shooting makes him part of the rotation.

He already is, but the amount of minutes he gets on any given night in the playoffs will fluctuate based on match ups and whoever the hot hand is. The first 7 guys are a clear cut above the rest. PP is kind of on an island by himself. Then there's the Semi/Grant/RL/JP group and the guys who will never be used (Carsen, Nesmith). Luke Kornet getting time will really depend on the health of TL and TT. Waters and Fall can't play in the playoffs on a 2 way. I wonder if they could play in the play in game. I'd imagine yes, even though I see it as a playoff game.

Outside of Fournier, PP is the best 3 point shooter on the C's bench and is the only back up PG (depending on how you view Smart). He's competing with far less players for time than anyone else outside the top 7. I've been hoping the long term plan for Romeo was to have him become a cromulent PG for 15 minutes a game and it appears that it is. Unless Romeo blossoms into the player over night, PP isn't in any trouble for the rest of the season.

 

[DourDoerr]

Well, since I recognize my quote on “a great weapon off the bench,” I’ll defend it. He’s a very limited weapon in scope for CBS, but RL offers the potential of shutting down a hot shooter/scorer on a run. Those are moments where a game can get out of control - sometimes the difference between a win and a loss - so that’s great value.

I don’t think you can discount what we’re seeing given the long absence and injury either. Despite that and his youth, he’s showing a plus skill. It’s not unlike Avery Bradley when it was quickly apparent he’d be able to help that C’s defense. And he did.

Finally, if anyone here is defending his offense, I didn’t see it. You can’t, it’s horrendous. His value comes solely from his defense. He’s an option though that was non-existent - but sorely needed - for most of the season. Sure, there’s enthusiasm here but we’re also witnessing a team facet that warrants it.

 

[Cesar Crespo]

Also, while I get the Brown and Langford comparisons, Brown is a bit heavier (in a good way). I do think Langford is an above average NBA athlete with above average size for his position (small wing/2 guard). I don't think Langford and Brown completely overlap but there are similarities. Not all wings are the same and there will be players where Jaylen matches up quite better or vice versa.

 

[radsoxfan]

Langford is hanging on for dear life at the end of the rotation for 2 reasons, his D is pretty good and more reps for him are more useful in the long run than more reps for someone like Semi.

Having said that, his offense is "OMG bad", at least on par with Grant, probably even worse. I don't think Brad is going to give him much more leeway if we get a full roster, it's too painful to watch.

Tough spot for a guy like Romeo who has had injuries and obviously needs reps, but a contending team can't just keep throwing a guy out there like this. He has been worse than last year so far on offense, which I thought was impossible.

This is not an NBA player, it's not close, and it's not getting any better. At least in 21 minutes against the Bulls he was active and paying attention a bit. The other 5 games are just bizarre.

Last 6 games;
19 min, 0 points, 0-2 FG, 2 reb, 0 ast, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 TO

32 min, 2 points, 1-4 FG, 1 reb, 0 ast, 0 steals, 1 blocks, 0 TO

21 min, 2 points, 1-5 FG, 5 reb, 3 ast, 2 steals, 0 blocks, 2 TO

9 min, 0 points, 0-1 FG, 0 reb, 1 ast, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 TO

17 min, 2 points, 1-3 FG, 3 reb, 2 ast, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 TO

9 min, 0 points, 0-0 FG, 1 reb, 0 asst, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 TO

 

[lexrageorge]

Langford also has been directed to not worry about offense so he can focus on his defense. He's had zero practice time with his teammates, which is a huge problem for a player like Langford trying to come back from an injury. His offense is bad, but that's a problem that Stevens can and should live with during the remainder of the regular season. In the playoffs his usage will be strictly situational, basically only during times when his defensive skills are needed for a very short stretch.

 

[radsoxfan]

Langford also has been directed to not worry about offense so he can focus on his defense. He's had zero practice time with his teammates, which is a huge problem for a player like Langford trying to come back from an injury. His offense is bad, but that's a problem that Stevens can and should live with during the remainder of the regular season. In the playoffs his usage will be strictly situational, basically only during times when his defensive skills are needed for a very short stretch.

There is no possible way he has been directed to play like this on offense. You just can't live with someone playing this poorly for very long once other options exist.

They may be telling him "not to do too much" or "keep the ball moving" or stuff like that. But they aren't telling miss every shot, never get an assist, and never do anything positive.

 

[the moops]

Yeah there is a difference between being told not to worry about creating your own offense and what we see out of him - bad turnovers, no attempt to do much besides pass the ball to the closest guy, and not being able to hit open threes. He should be driving and kicking out if nothing else, for nobody is respecting his jumper anyway

 

[wade boggs chicken dinner]

Yeah there is a difference between being told not to worry about creating your own offense and what we see out of him - bad turnovers, no attempt to do much besides pass the ball to the closest guy, and not being able to hit open threes. He should be driving and kicking out if nothing else, for nobody is respecting his jumper anyway

Why is there a difference?

RL is a guy who is used to having the ball in his hands a lot and now he barely touches the ball. (Usg% of 5.9 v PHO and 8.2 v BRK, for example). He is also playing against much better and much older opponents. I'm sure he is trying to figure out what he can and can't do. Which leads to missedshots and TOs.

However, Brad and Evan Turner see this guy every day and wouldn't be talking about him as a primary ballhandler (and, according to ET, a potential triple-double machine) if they didn't like what they have seen.

 

[Bleedred]

What are Brad and ET gonna say, he sucks? Right now, he's a lousy NBA basketball player who has had a string of bad luck with injuries, so there is still a chance. Almost every part of his game is well below NBA standards. He's defense is average...although people can quibble. He's the Celtics equivalent of Blake Swihart. Hopefully RL doesn't go the way of Blake.

 

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

Langford's last three games include his highest mpg as well as two other games with some of his heaviest minutes of the season. It seems like the coaching staff sees him doing what they want on defense because they have a short leash for young players who get beat regularly.


That said, dude has played 11 games this year.
Whatever anyone thinks of him is almost certain to change as he gets more run.

 

[radsoxfan]

Why is there a difference?

Because there is a difference between playing passive and being terrible. NBA players with low usage rates don't automatically play horrendously. Romeo has been horrendous.

I agree it's been a small sample, he is young, he has battled injuries, and he has defensive potential. But let's call a spade a spade.

In 43 career games he's shooting 32% from the field, 21% from 3, has a 41% TS%, doesn't rebound, and doesn't get assists. PER police can come for me, but last year his was 5.4 and this year 3.2. These are not the numbers of an NBA player, regardless of role.

Being a defensive specialist that is asked not to do much on offense doesn't mean they want him to miss every shot and be terrible every time the ball touches his hands.