Celtics release 2021 Summer League roster, headlined by Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith

Several young players will be looking to prove that they’re ready for an expanded role this upcoming season.

The Boston Celtics revealed who will be suiting up in the green when the Las Vegas Summer League slate of games tip off next week.

The most notable names include returning young players from the main roster such as Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith, Payton Pritchard and Carsen Edwards. Additionally, recently signed two-way player Sam Hauser will be joining the roster as well as the team’s highly anticipated 2020 NBA Draft stash Yam Madar. Other undrafted players such as Zach Auguste (the team’s tallest player), Dedric Lawson, K.J. Lawson and Aric Holman round out the roster.

Grant Williams is not with on the roster, but he has been working out around the team as they’ve prepared for next week’s games.

For such a critical year in which the Celtics (so far) are relying on internal improvements, this will be the first time for players such as Langford, Pritchard and Nesmith to really show that they can step up next season as players like Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier have departed the roster. Between those three players, maybe even one of them might end up in the starting lineup if they’ve made enough of a leap.

Early on, Payton Pritchard seemed like the brightest prospect. Following practice at media availability, Pritchard noted, “I’ve got to prepare like I’m going to play big minutes and help this team win. That’s been my preparation and my mindset all along. So, just continue on that path and keep working.”

At one point last season, Aaron Nesmith separated himself from the rest of the pack as a player who was firmly in the rotation. It was Romeo Langford who ended up in the starting lineup as injuries decimated Boston toward the end of the first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets.

Pritchard noted how important a season this will be for both wings: “I expect a lot of big things out of Romeo and Aaron. I think they’ll both take a step next year with their offensive game. And defensive game. So we’re definitely going to need them for both of those things.”

Now’s a good time to check and see where these players are in their development.

Everyone’s excited to see what Yam Madar could potentially bring to the roster after playing in Israel last season and being the focus of several hype videos. Playing against Pritchard in practice has already evidently helped to prepare him, saying “Going against each other every day, we’re building. It’s the NBA. This is what I’ve worked for, this is what I’m doing. I’m here to compete.”

Carsen Edwards will likely be looking to make a strong impression after two seasons of very high and very short peaks and extended valleys.

The Summer Cs will be coached by assistant coach Joe Mazzulla, the only holdover from Brad Stevens’ coaching staff.

The format this year will include every team playing at least four games. After that, the two teams with the best records will meet in the Championship Game on Tuesday, August 17th at 9 p.m. EST. All teams not in the Championship Game will play a fifth game either on the 16th or the 17th.

There’s a lot to pay attention to as the Vegas Summer League tips off from a Celtics perspective. The Celtics tip off the first game at 4 p.m. EST on August 8th against Sharife Cooper, Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks.