Nebraska Basketball: Sam Griesel gets chance with Boston Celtics

A former Nebraska basketball guard will have a chance to make an impression in the NBA. Former Nebraska guard Sam Griesel got a Summer League roster invite with the Boston Celtics. The move was announced on Saturday.

Griesel is coming off his only season with the Nebraska basketball program. He made an impact despite his short time in Lincoln, recording 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, to go along with 2.6 assists per game. Griesel played in 30 games, and averaged 33.7 minutes.

He was part of the reason that Nebraska basketball had such a big turnaround in the 2022-23 campaign. Griesel scored at least 10 points and seven straight games including a 19-point effort against Minnesota on February 25.

Spendin' the summer with the @celtics.

Let's work @SammyG_22. ✊☘️ https://t.co/qzvTFPeL9x pic.twitter.com/SN6stemn7c

— Nebraska Basketball (@HuskerHoops) July 1, 2023

Summer League basketball is a chance for the rookies and undrafted free agents to really shine. Griesel is certainly getting his shot here.

What could Nebraska Basketball alum bring to Celtics?

One of the things that intrigues me about him playing with Boston for a bit is that the Celtics need a pass-first point guard. He could certainly fit the bill there, and he would be able to move the basketball and create for playmakers. This is something that Boston needs, in order to facilitate opportunities for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Greisel also did well at driving in the lane and drawing defenders inside. This could work with Boston’s play style as well. Griesel’s ability to draw defenders could open up looks for shooters.

Boston traded shooting guard Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in June. As of right now, they have Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, and Payton Pritchard at the guard spots. A player like Prichard could be expendable, giving Griesel an opportunity to make the team.

At the very least, this will give Griesel a chance to really show off his skills. He could fit well in a Boston offensive system that likes to shoot the basketball. He has the type of playmaking ability to be effective in that regard.

Perhaps we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves. Right now, it’s up to him to make an impact in the Summer League. It will be exciting to see what he can do there, and if he will be able to make the team. This will certainly be a summer storyline worth watching.