After trading Jaden Springer in a salary dump move, the Boston Celtics had two open roster spots. Brad Stevens acted swiftly, signing Torrey Craig off the buyout market. However, the Celtics still have one open roster spot. Let’s dive into five players who could fill this open roster spot and their possible fits with the team.
5 Candidates for the Celtics Open Roster Spot
Before we get into some candidates who could fill Boston’s open roster spot, it’s important to acknowledge that they might keep this roster spot open as they don’t have to sign a 15th player. Given that the Celtics are a second-apron team and looking to save some money, this is possible. Nevertheless, most teams like to have a full roster, especially before the playoffs. Last year, the Celtics also had an open roster spot, which they didn’t fill until April when they converted Neemias Queta‘s contract to a standard deal. Considering their approach last year, it’s possible the Celtics could wait and ultimately convert a two-way player closer to the playoffs.
Another important thing to note is that on the buyout market, since they are a second-apron team, Boston can’t sign anyone who was making more than the non-taxpayer midlevel exception ($12.8 million). Regardless, there are still plenty of quality buyout options the Celtics could look into.
JD Davison
JD Davison has been one of the best G League players for the past few seasons. He is averaging 24.5 points and eight assists in the G League this year; the 6-foot-1 guard is an incredible finisher and playmaker. Davison has demonstrated everything possible to earn an NBA opportunity. Despite only appearing in five games with Boston, Davison’s contract could be converted to a standard deal, especially considering the Celtics traded Springer, who plays the same position. Davison likely wouldn’t crack the Celtics’ loaded guard rotation, but giving him a standard contract would be a sign of respect for his stellar G League play. Even in occasional minutes, Davison could make a solid impact as a scorer and playmaker.
Drew Peterson
The other two-way player the Celtics could look to convert is Drew Peterson. The 6-foot-9 forward got some quality rotation minutes in games where Boston was dealing with injuries earlier this season. Peterson has played in 14 games with Boston and 15 with Maine. His size and shooting ability make him an ideal fit in the Celtics system. Notably, Peterson is shooting 42.1 percent from beyond the arc with Boston. Considering he’s played a solid amount of games with Boston, converting Peterson feels like a strong possibility.
Daniel Theis
Shortly after being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Daniel Theis was waived. The Celtics had previously been linked to Theis in trade talks this season. Theis spent his first three and half seasons with the Celtics from 2017 to 2021 before briefly returning in 2022. Given his connection with Brad Stevens and familiarity with the organization, signing Theis is certainly possible, especially if the Celtics are looking to boost their center depth. Theis is posting averages of 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 16.3 minutes per game this season. The 6-foot-8 big man is undersized for his position; however, he is a solid rebounder, willing shooter, and solid depth piece.
Lonnie Walker
Lonnie Walker spent training camp with the Celtics before being let go due to financial concerns. Walker has been playing for the Lithuanian team Žalgiris Kaunas this season. However, he has reportedly drawn considerable NBA interest as a buyout player. A buyout with his Lithuanian team would only cost $450,000 on top of a likely minimum contract. Dumping Springer gives the Celtics slightly more flexibility, making a Walker signing possible. The 6-foot-4 wing is a gifted scorer, athlete, and shooter; he would give the Celtics a nice spark off the bench. For his NBA career, Walker has averaged 9.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. He certainly has the most upside out of anyone available. If the Celtics want to sign Walker, they’ll have to do so by February 18th, per his EuroLeague contract.
Seth Curry
While he hasn’t officially been bought out, many view Charlotte Hornets guard Seth Curry as a buyout candidate. The 11-year veteran isn’t a consistent rotation player at this stage of his career. Regardless, he is still an elite shooter, making 46.4 percent of attempts from beyond the arc. Considering his knockdown shooting ability, Curry would be a perfect fit in the Celtics’ three-point-centric system. Furthermore, the Celtics could look to add another guard to replace Springer. If Curry and the Hornets agree to a buyout, Boston should pursue him.
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