NBA: Boston Celtics Convert Tacko Fall's Contract Into Two-Way Deal

The Boston Celtics have reportedly converted Tacko Fall's contract into a two-way deal and that means, he can spend up to 45 days with the team this season in the NBA.

Fall will spend the rest of the time developing with the G League's Maine Red Claws. The rookie center was signed by Celtics as an undrafted free agent this offseason. But, the 23-year-old took no time to become popular among the fans at the Las Vegas Summer League considering his ability to block 7'6" frame shots.

Coming into the pre-season, the fans' liking for him never went down. During Celtics' game last Sunday at TD Garden, fans chanted his name non-stop. That reception forced head coach Brad Stevens to speak to Fall in the second quarter.

Following the conversation, Stevens addressed the crowd as he said, "I just talked to Tacko about it. Tacko is such a gracious guy, and it puts him in such a tough spot, right? He knows he doesn't want to put extra heat on me. Everybody wants Tacko. My kids are the same way, and everybody else."

"I think that's cool, and that's great. But I just hope people continue to appreciate him for what he is as a person and how hard he's working to try to make it to the NBA. Because he's a really good kid and he's really, really working hard, and I think he's going to be in the NBA for a long time," Stevens added.

Fall eventually made an appearance in the game in the fourth quarter. He posted five points, three rebounds and two blocked shots in as many as eight minutes.

"No offense to anybody. I think it's fun that everybody's excited about it. But I'm sure it's not comfortable for him. But this is why I say all the time how impressed I am with him, because he just handles everything with a smile and grace," the Celtics boss said after his side thrashed Cleveland Cavaliers 118-72.

With the above statement, Steven just tried to explain that Fall has received the two-way deal not just on the basis of his popularity but the club genuinely believes in him. The youngster has proved on the court that he deserves to be playing in the NBA.

Meanwhile, Fall said this chance with Celtics will keep him motivated to show everyone that he belongs in the NBA. "It's another opportunity to keep proving myself. I've worked really hard to get to this point. I'm really fortunate to be in this position, and I'm going to keep fighting to show I can play in the NBA and keep getting better," Fall added.