The Boston Celtics announced today that Romeo Langford has been assigned to the Maine Red Claws, the NBA G League affiliate of the Celtics.
This is no surprise as Langford is still getting into game shape after multiple injuries have hampered his time on the court. The G League has evolved by leaps and bounds over the last decade.
Today, getting assigned to the G League is seen as an opportunity for growth where a player can receive meaningful playing time and shake off rust after an injury. The Celtics are high on Langford and likely view this assignment as a proxy preseason, replacing all of the playing opportunities he missed during the off-season due to injury.
Romeo Langford will have a chance to get back into the pace of the game as he has not played in a regular season game since the 2019 Big Ten Tournament with the Hoosiers.
After playing through a torn right thumb ligament in college, Langford had surgery to repair the injury in the spring. This recovery prevented him from participating in the Summer League. After finally recovering, he was limited to just two 10-minute appearances in the preseason due to a groin strain and then a sprained knee that occurred after slipping on a wet spot. Langford was finally cleared and participated in a full practice on October 29.
Even Langford told Boston media, “It’s kind of frustrating… I finally get better, and then another little dumb injury. But it’s fine.”
Thus, this assignment will give Langford the opportunity to hit the floor and work himself back into the highly touted prospect that scouts saw at Indiana.
Put the money in the bank, Romeo. It’ll dry up soon. Besides, there’s nothing to spend money on in Portland, ME anyway.