Summer League Showcases Future Roles
The Boston Celtics faced the Orlando Magic in a tight contest on July 18, 2026. The final score was 103-97 in favor of Orlando. This game in Las Vegas offered a clear look at several players who might stay with the team. The Celtics lost the match, but the effort from their young roster mattered more than the result. Fans watched closely to see who could earn a real chance at the big club.
Amari Williams, Milos Uzan, Tucker DeVries, and John Tonje all played significant minutes. These players aren’t the top draft picks, but they’ve got specific skills to offer. The team needs role players who can fill gaps when the starters rest. That loss to the Magic didn’t hide the potential these athletes showed on the court.
Williams and Uzan Lead the Charge
Amari Williams will return on a two-way contract to split time between Boston and Maine. He can play up to 50 games with the main team. His unique ability to pass from the high post caught the eye of observers. This is a rare skill for a player of his size at 6’11”.
Williams showed he can act as an offensive hub in the half court. He used his frame to see over defenders and find open teammates. A specific play showed him making a back cut for an assist before scoring. While he isn’t ready to run the offense like a star, the team wants to develop this trait. The Celtics seem set on trying to make this work for their depth chart.
Milos Uzan proved he can run point guard duties effectively. He averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists through five games. In the finale, he scored nine points in just 17 minutes. Uzan has an Exhibit 10 deal for training camp and will likely join the G League team. He’s got the skills to handle the ball even with limited practice time. According to CelticsBlog, there’s no question he can play at a high level.
DeVries and Tonje Fight for a Spot
Tucker DeVries also holds an Exhibit 10 deal for the upcoming training camp. Like Uzan, he’ll likely start his season with the Maine Red Claws. He needs to show he can shoot well enough to stay on the roster. The team is looking for players with one portable NBA skill to survive. DeVries must prove his shooting is that skill.
John Tonje faces a different path as a free agent. He was traded to the Celtics last season in the Chris Boucher deal. The team declined his option, leaving him without a guaranteed contract. He must impress in camp to earn a two-way or standard deal. The loss to the Magic gave him a chance to show his value one more time.
Role players need a clear skill to make the big club. Think of Sam Hauser with his three-point shooting or Jordan Walsh with his defense. These players build from that one strength. The Celtics saw that strength in Uzan, DeVries, and Tonje during the game. The team now has another year to decide if this development is real. The path to Boston is narrow, but these players made their case.
