Romeo Langford: Making an Impact

The Boston Celtics wrap up the pre-all star portion of their schedule on Thursday night as they host the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George led Los Angeles Clippers in a prime time bout. Boston has had many pleasant surprises by players on their roster this season after the debacle of 2018-19. Most recently Romeo Langford, the rookie out of Indiana has been a phenomenal sight to see. Langford, who made his first career start on February 5th against the Orlando Magic has been active both on the offensive and defensive ends. Along with infectious Kemba Walker and fellow rookies Tacko Fall and Grant Williams, Romeo has represented a return to fun in Celtics basketball. Kyrie Irving turned Boston into an unlikable bunch and this year has returned the love inspired by the Isaiah Thomas era Celtics. Langford's effort and quirky personality fit that mold perfectly. He is seemingly always high as hell, does not look like he has moved his face, has amazing hair, took pranks from Marcus Smart like an absolute champ, and simply forgot it was possible to be traded as the NBA. Although he is a relatively minor piece as a rookie his personality is a perfect encapsulation of this iteration of the Boston Celtics, fun, care-free and with potential as high as he is on a daily basis. Seeing Langford in person against Orlando unveiled the promise that made Danny Ainge select him at 14th overall in this past June's draft. From blocks and slick passing to some straight up hustle Romeo resembles a rookie year Jaylen Brown in terms of both his role and versatility. Langford's start was at one of the guard positions and he has shown the capacity to play positionless basketball in Brad Stevens' system, a commonality with the all-star snub of Jaylen Brown. Langford likely does not have the same ceiling as Jaylen Brown, but it is without doubt higher than recent busts of Ainge's such as James Young. February 5th's start against the Magic will not be the last impact which Langford has on this season's team. He is beginning to carve out a role as a key piece off the bench and will be poised to contribute to the Celtics' odds at a deep playoff run this spring. Youth has made this Celtics team enjoyable and Langford's ascension into an NBA rotation will continue to help that good-will mount among the fan base.