Zizic picks paint apart
Tough play highlights Vegas win
CELTICS NOTEBOOK
LAS VEGAS — As evidenced by the trail of hurting Blazers Ante Zizic left on the floor with his picks last night, the Celtics rookie center is feeling more comfortable.
Zizic turned in his best summer league game last night, posting nine points, 11 rebounds and four blocks during a 70-64 win against Portland that raised the C’s record to 2-0 at this locale.
Though the Croatian’s offense faces years of refinement, the physical part of the game certainly isn’t a problem.
“This is my fifth game in the states. I need to adjust to this type of game. Everything is much faster, but today I thought I played really good,” Zizic said. “Congratulations to my teammates. I just need a little bit of time. I expect more from myself, but I have to adjust to this style of game.
“The game is much faster but for me that’s not a problem. After training camp I will be ready 100 percent for this type of game. I’m just trying to find my role. Game like this I’ve always played physically, so that part is not a problem for me.”
Throwin’ it down
Jaylen Brown (13 points) turned in a summer league highlight by dunking off the baseline over the Trail Blazers’ Josh Scott and Caleb Swanigan, two-handed while the two defenders failed to get out of the way.
“I didn’t even think (a defender) was going to jump, and when he did I said hey,” Brown said. “Those are the kind of plays they say to avoid in summer league. You don’t want to get hurt or get knocked out of the air. But I saw him try to go for the block, so I finished.”
More love for Stevens
When Gordon Hayward chose the Celtics, he singled out his former college coach, Brad Stevens, as a major factor.
The Celtics coach is indeed renowned for getting the most out of whatever player crosses his path — be it Evan Turner, Jaylen Brown or, back in his first year in the NBA, Jordan Crawford.
The former Celtics point guard finished last season with New Orleans, and is part of the Pelicans’ summer league delegation.
Crawford acknowledged yesterday that few coaches have allowed him to do what he does best — play point guard. Stevens was able to draw similar qualities out of Turner by allowing him to play on the ball.
“First off he gave me the opportunity to play point, and that alone sets him apart,” Crawford said yesterday. “Even in D.C. (with the Washington Wizards) when I played the point there was hesitancy to give it to me. His trust in me gave me the confidence to play the position. He finds what you do well and he also keeps it simple. He kept me locked in to every possession. It makes the game easier, gives you a chance to win. He puts you in a position to be there in the fourth quarter.”
Crawford was admittedly better for the experience.
“I was a better player because he allowed me to go out there and find my way,” he said. “Each coach is different. With me, I’m always going to play how I play — I’m going to do what I do best. But coaches have different ways.
“Brad Stevens is a good basketball coach. He has a great mind in general that allows him to be a better basketball coach.”
Showing up the kids
Terry Rozier worked out with the Celtics summer leaguers over their first two days of minicamp in Waltham, and by all accounts dominated every sequence on the floor.
“I had to let them know, huh? But I got nice work in with those guys,” he said. “But I’m young, I’m young and active. I can get out there with high schoolers if I have to. I can go. Any opportunity, I’m not turning that down.”
This could emerge as Rozier’s best season yet, too, with additional playing time sure to be on the way with the trade of Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons. Rozier considers himself blessed to have been on a playoff team his first two years in the league.
“Big time. I was in my second year, playing in the playoffs backto-back,” he said. “Not many guys can say they did that. That brings a lot of experience, just being there. It definitely gives me confidence going into next season. I’ve been working on a lot of things, knocking down the 3 consistently, making smart moves off the pick-androll.”