Tacko Fall center of attention once again

The Celtics' 7-foot-5 rookie is enjoying his time in the NBA's bubble at Disney World.

His NBA career consists of just 24 minutes spread out over six games from last Oct. 26-Feb. 5.

Despite that limited time on the court, 7-foot-5 rookie Tacko Fall is usually the center of attention wherever he goes.

During the rare occasions that he was sitting on the Celtics’ bench as part of the active roster, Fall would hear chants ring loudly through the TD Garden, pleading with coach Brad Stevens to get him in the game.

So it is no surprise that Fall is drawing plenty of notice inside the NBA bubble at Disney World as the league prepares to resume the season next week.

Video has popped up of Fall, wearing a mask, pedaling his large frame on a small bicycle around the campus. And another clip showed Fall towering above as he played beach volleyball with teammates.

“It’s going well,’’ said Fall during a video conference after practice Monday night. “I’m just trying to pass the time, trying not to stay in my room much of the day when we’re not working out or practicing. But it’s fun.

“It’s a nice setup. They’re making sure we’ve got everything we need, so there’s no complaints from me.’’

Because of the unusual circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBA has made players on two-way contracts eligible for the playoffs this season.

That means Fall and guard Tremont Waters, who is recovering from a concussion suffered in practice last week, will be part of the Celtics’ postseason roster.

Waters, the NBA G-League rookie of the year, might get some minutes in the backcourt, though it is unlikely Fall would get the call after his limited experience as a first-year player.

Fall was signed to a two-way contract with the Celtics and Maine Red Claws in October after making an impression during the summer league in Las Vegas.

The 25-year-old from Senegal is a project, and he made brief appearances for the Celtics against the New York Knicks in October, the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets in December, the San Antonio Spurs in January and the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic in February.

Fall, who made the NBA G-League all-defensive team, averaged 12.9 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots in 29 games for the Red Claws, playing 23 minutes per game.

He is getting the chance to keep working to his game while at Disney World, which will help in the development for the future.

“It’s a blessing just to be able to go out there and practice with them every day,’’ said Fall. “All of them are great players. I’ve been fortunate to be on a great team. Every single one of them brings a lot to the game.

“I’m just focusing on what my job really is when I step on the court, especially right now. I have to be the best rim protector that I can possibly be. Being around these guys, all of them are good players, good finishers. I’m just trying to get that timing right. It’s been great. I’m seeing myself getting even better through this few last practices.’’

The Celtics have Fall in the middle on defense at practice, giving them a roadblock when the offense gets inside.

“Tacko’s taking any challenge that’s thrown at him,’’ said fellow center Robert Williams. “Sometimes Tacko may play the middle of the zone the whole practice, guarding everybody. He never shies away from anything.

“He doesn’t want to be known as a 7-footer who can’t move. You can see the progress he’s making. He can see that he’s grinding and he wants to be known for different stuff.’’

Fall wound up in central Florida not long after moving from Senegal to the United States.

He attended Liberty Christian Prep in Tavares before being recruited to play at the University of Central Florida. He will be spending at least seven weeks at Disney World, but Fall is unable to visit any of his friends in the area.

“It’s been very weird,’’ said Fall. “I was just talking to my host family not too long ago and they’re upset because they’re right down the road and they can’t even come see me. There’s going to be a time when they’ll be able to. I’m just looking forward to seeing them.

“It feels great to be back in Orlando, even though I can’t go to UCF or see my host family or friends. But just being back here brings a lot of memories. I went to high school here, went to college here. I grew a lot here. I pretty much grew up here. It’s been great.’’

Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.