Before suiting up last night, Kerry Weldon, the first-overall pick in this season’s draft, hadn’t played a game in the Westwood Draft League since Week 2, which took place on October 17. He was back in action last night for Easy Money, and he helped them pick up a 70-66 win over Legacy.

Weldon contributed in a big way, scoring 11 points and grabbing 14 rebounds off the bench, a role a first-overall pick isn’t used to. Weldon is coming back from an ankle injury, which is why he didn’t start the game, but anytime he’s on the court he’s a difference-maker.

“The biggest part was just making a difference. If it was grabbing rebounds or getting every one else involved, just trying to make a difference as much as possible. Nothing more, nothing less,” Weldon said in a post-game interview. “I’m feeling real good man. I saw we lost a couple games, so being able to get back on the court, being a part of the team and being able to come away with a W meant a lot.”

Easy Money desperately needed Weldon to return, as they were on a three-game losing streak (minus a forfeit win in Week 4) without him. Their record with and without Weldon clearly shows the impact he’s had this season.

With Weldon: 3-0

Without Weldon: 0-3

You’d expect a first-overall pick to have a massive impact, but this is extreme. Weldon has put up 9.7 points and 15.7 rebounds, shooting 69% from the field in the three games he’s played this season. Easy Money now stands at 4-3, good for fourth place in Westwood. If Weldon is able to stay healthy for the rest of the season and the playoffs, Easy Money will still be strong contenders in the combined Boston playoffs.