In this interview, Charles Bassey discusses his late addition to the Boston Celtics Summer League roster, describing how he was contacted by his agent and flew out to join training camp on short notice. He emphasizes the Celtics' culture, coaching, and playoff mindset as key factors that attracted him to Boston. Bassey outlines his defensive skill set—rebounds, shot‑blocking, and rim protection—and how he intends to fulfill his role by providing effort and defense. His goals for the Summer League include earning the trust of teammates and coaches, playing hard in every minute, and building on the progress he made in San Antonio. He shares positive impressions of teammate Hugo Gonzalez, noting his shooting and Eurostep floater. Finally, Bassey mentions that while the Celtics have observed his practice, no concrete conversations about next‑season roster opportunities have occurred yet.
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Matt mentioned you were a late addition to the Summer League roster. What was the process of you signing with the Celtics?
I mean, I ain't signed anything yet, but, um, yeah, it was, uh, it was, I mean, it was like, like you said, last minute. Got a call from my agent and yeah, flew out the next day, started training camp with them. And I mean, it's been good, man. It's been good from training camp to today's game. I mean, the energy has been great. know, vibing with these guys and the coaches, and it's been fun, man. So everything has been good.
Is there anything that stood out about the Celtics Summer League opportunity in general, or the opportunity with the main roster that could be available, that made you choose Boston?
I mean, just the culture, you know, like you said, man. Boston, coached by one of the good coaches, and, you know, it's just the culture, the coaches, the players around, you know, Jayson, just obviously learning from those guys.
Yeah, like I said, man, the culture and just When you join a team late like this, what kind of things do you have to learn? What's the last couple days been like preparing for this?
Like you said, man, that's a playoff team, man. You know, they go to the playoffs every year, so obviously just learning from those guys. I mean, it's great for me. I mean, I went to the playoffs one time, but it's been good, man. Like I said, man, obviously I'm gonna learn a lot from those guys, and I know just like the energy they play with. I mean, even in practice and stuff, it's great energy, like the environment. The gym, the vibes, it's just great, man. So I love it.
What are the things you feel like you bring to each game at this point in your career?
Like I said, man, you know, great effort, man. My rebounding, blocking shots, I mean, rim protection. I bring great defense to the team. I just play my role, you know. I know what the team needs from me. I know what they want from me, and I do that every night.
What are some of your goals for Summer League and things that you want to build off that you've kind kind of progressed in the last few years in San Antonio?
Obviously, man, just get trust from my teammates, from my coaches, and, you know, like I said, man, sometimes some players just go out there just to score and stuff, but me, I just still go out there to do what I do, you know, just rebound, block shots, obviously bringing that to the team and just, you know, getting trust from the coaches, you know, when they tell you to do stuff, you do it. I mean, just going out there and just playing hard every minute you get. You never know what's gonna happen and just Just play hard.
What are your impressions playing with Hugo Gonzalez?
He's great, man. He can shoot it, man, you know, in there. I mean, he loves that Eurostep floater. I've never seen anybody block it. I tried to block it, I couldn't. But yeah, he's a good player, man. He's learning, he asks questions and stuff, so I like him.
Charles, I know you mentioned you didn't sign anything yet, but do you have any— have you had any conversations with Joe or Brad about potential opportunities next season?
Obviously they've watched me practice and stuff. No conversation yet, but I mean, we're gonna see where that goes, but I don't know anything about that right now. Thanks, man.
