Yes, Tacko Fall is ridiculously tall. Yes, he's fascinating to watch.
But the Boston Celtics are hoping the 7-foot-7 big man is more than a novelty act.
Speaking on NBC Sports Boston after an introductory press conference for Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge expressed optimism that Fall can remain a part of the team this season.
"I think that Tacko's going to have a chance to make the roster. But we'll see," Ainge told co-hosts Kyle Draper and Brian Scalabrine at the Auerbach Center. "... We see some upside there. We're excited about him."
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
Fall, who averaged 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in the NBA Summer League, is signed on an Exhibit 10 contract, which means another team could swoop in and sign him at any point, even if he survives roster cuts and joins the G-League affiliate Maine Red Claws.
But the Celtics could protect Fall by signing him to a roster spot (perhaps on a two-way contract), which they have available after waiving Guerschon Yabusele. And in discussing Fall's play in Las Vegas, Ainge suggested that's a possibility
"Tacko is fun to watch," Ainge told reporters Wednesday. "I mean, he makes me laugh. Some of the plays he makes are hilarious, because you just don't see them. Guards get in a bind and they just throw the ball up in the air and then Tacko grabs it and tip-toe dunks it into the basket. It just looks like a senior in high school playing against fourth-graders sometimes out there.
"He's a great kid, he's working really hard. We want to take his development very, very seriously. He's a high priority for us to try to really develop into a player."
Ainge said Fall is in Boston working out but will head back to his native Senegal to see his family, so his fate may not be decided until later this summer.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.
