Spurs Center Surprisingly Joins Celtics Summer League Squad

Boston Celtics fans received a huge surprise on Friday.

As Celtics die-hards tuned in to watch the squad’s first summer league action, first-round pick Hugo González was the main attraction. But another young player quickly stole the show before tip-off, simply by being in the building wearing a Celtics uniform.

As Boston warmed up, a flurry of reports hit X — including one from Forbes’ Bobby Krivitsky — revealing that San Antonio Spurs center Charles Bassey was dressed and ready to go for the Celtics.

The news came out of nowhere, and within minutes, Bassey was checking into the game and tallying two rejections in his first four minutes of action in Las Vegas. 

Have the Celtics just found another important big man for 2025-26? Not quite, as Bassey is an unrestricted free agent and can be signed by anyone. It just so happens that Boston could really use Bassey, who impressed as a rebounder, shot-blocker, and lob threat last season as a backup big to Victor Wembanyama. In 36 games for San Antonio, Bassey averaged 15.0 points, 14.6 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per 36 minutes — staggering numbers for people unfamiliar with Bassey’s impact.

Many fans who are aware of Bassey (mostly Spurs supporters) are shocked that he’s still available on the market. The former No. 53 overall pick out of Western Kentucky is a legitimate rotational center with upside to be even more than that.

On Friday, CBS Sports’ Rob Greene said the following about Bassey, which may have amounted to an undersell:

“Charles Bassey has the size, length and instincts to fit in with what C’s are currently doing and system-wise. The 24-year-old C, entering year five, gels in perfectly with Boston’s stay ready group and Maine. Could maybe play some solid minutes with/behind (Neemias) Queta.”

The more accurate assessment of Bassey’s game is that he would be strongly considered for Boston’s starting center role were he signed.

Time will tell whether Brad Stevens makes a move; that is, unless Bassey’s price point gets too high. But if he’s available right now, that must mean the opportunity is probably there for Boston to land Bassey on a cheap deal.