After recording a franchise-record 14 offensive rebounds in a win over the Memphis Hustle on Nov. 27, Boston Celtics rookie center Tacko Fall — who signed a two-way contract that has him seeing most of his action this season with the Maine Red Claws — was diagnosed with a bone bruise and was to be reassessed in 1-2 weeks.
The 7-foot-5 Fall expects to be out for about another week with what he describes as “a little sprain” but fortunately for both he and the Celtics, these days won’t count towards the allotted 45 days has with Maine’s parent club (according to NESN’s Chris Grenham).
Per MassLive’s Tom Westerholm:
Of note here — this won't count toward Fall's 45-day count, as two-way players are allowed to rehab with the NBA club. https://t.co/4JppdXTMmq
— Chris Grenham (@chrisgrenham) November 29, 2019
Fall was signed to a two-way contract despite calls for him to have the Celtics’ final spot on the 15-man roster — which went to rookie guard Javonte Green — so that the team could prioritize his development. A significant part of that development would require on-court reps; ones he was unlikely to get in Boston with the team’s logjam at the position.
Develop Fall has, as he’s more decisive and confident in his low-post offense, while showing aggression on the glass and making the plays as a low-post defender that you would expect of a man his size.
As they say, numbers don’t lie, and the Senegal native has averaged 15.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in just 24.0 minutes per game with the Red Claws this season while shooting 69.6% from the field.
The sooner he gets back the better, so that he can continue to progress as a player under the guidance of Red Claws coach Darren Erman and Celtics assistant coach Jay Larrañaga.