Jaden Springer joined the Boston Celtics at the February 8th trade deadline. He was highly recommended by Sam Cassel, an assistant coach with the Celtics who previously worked under Doc Rivers with the Philadelphia 76ers. The defensive-minded guard made his debut on Thursday (February 22) in the Celtics' win over the Chicago Bulls.
Speaking to the media after the game, Springer was asked what differences he noticed since arriving in Boston. He pointed out how the Celtics play free basketball, giving everyone the power to make reads based on how the defense is defending.
“I feel like more people are reading and responding,” Springer said. “You guys go out there and play based on each other, play based on your teammates. So you're just reading what other people are doing. It's really , it's not a set of “I have to do this, I have to do that.” So I just go out and play hoops and play basketball. ”
Despite having undoubted potential and being highly recommended, Springer faces competition for playing time this season. He ranks next to Jrue Holiday, Derrick White and Peyton Pritchard in the Celtics' guard rotation. However, his improved defensive ability could be a factor in his playing time.
Joe Mazzula likes his team to be defensively sound. Boston operates multiple different defensive systems and remains alert to opposing attacks. Springer has been able to adapt to each season and has shown value as a point-of-attack defender in the past.
It remains to be seen whether that defenseman will get playing time this season. Logically, it could be several months before we see him in court on an ongoing basis.
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This story originally appeared on Celtics Wire
