BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 22: Tacko Fall #99 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on December 22, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)

3 young players get their first shot to earn a home with the Detroit Pistons by Corey Rausch

At this point in the season, health is the most important element for any team. Could the Boston Celtics start resting some of their players as they inch closer to the playoffs?

The Boston Celtics have a lot to be happy about in regard to the positive progressions that their undrafted rookie, Tacko Fall, has made this season with the Maine Red Claws. Fall is becoming a more polished player with each game he plays.

When the Celtics signed Fall to a two-way contract over the summer, many people were under the assumption he would be splitting his time between Maine and Boston. Although it’s not his decision, Fall has only appeared in six games this season for the Celtics.

But given the raw talent that he is, Fall has been able to progress at a faster rate with the Red Claws than with the Celtics. In fact, he is even averaging a double-double of 12.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in 26 games this season.

In the Red Claws’ most recent game against the Capital City Go-Gos, Fall’s progressions escalated to a new height. Fall finished the game with an impressive 18 points, 20 rebounds, and 5 blocks while recording his 15th double-double of the season.

One of the biggest flaws in Fall’s game at the beginning of the season was his overall speed and footwork while maneuvering around the court, more so in the paint and mid-range area. Which seems surprising seeing as he is 7’5″ and it only takes him a couple of strides to get around the court.

Height is something that obviously can’t be taught, but skills can be coached. Now with half a season under his belt, Fall is proving to be more mobile, agile, and confident in learning how a guy his size can move around the court both efficiently and effectively.

As previously mentioned, Fall has only played in six games this season for the Celtics. In those games, he has only averaged 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds per outing. Also noting the last time he played in a game for the Celtics was on February 5th against the Orlando Magic where he logged in one minute.

With more experience and increased production, Fall could be making a few more appearances for Boston as they truck through the second half of the season towards the playoffs. Every game counts from this point on and Fall could help protect the rim and give the Celtics another competitive advantage as they finish out the regular season strong.

With Fall being on a two-way contract, he is ineligible to play in the playoffs. Technically, he has 39 more games he can play with the Celtics this season.

If the team decides to use their newfound “load management” technique and preserve the health of Daniel Theis or Enes Kanter, Fall could prove to play some meaningful minutes at the end of the season for the Boston Celtics.

All in all, the way Fall has progressed as a player during his rookie season is a promising sign for the Boston Celtics and their big man situation moving forward.