The Boston Celtics are actively working on fine-tuning their roster after making significant moves during the recent trade deadline. With four trades completed, the team successfully opened three roster spots and positioned themselves under the luxury tax threshold for the current season. Boston’s roster now consists of 12 players, following the promotion of center Amari Williams to a full roster spot amid the departure of Chris Boucher, and the addition of two-way player John Tonje to fill Williams’ previous position.
Team president of basketball operations Brad Stevens addressed the latest developments during an interview at the Auerbach Center, expressing optimism about the new additions. “We’ve got three good two-ways that we feel really good about, and that gives us a lot of flexibility,” Stevens remarked. He highlighted Tonje’s experience and scoring ability, adding that fellow addition Ron Shulga has proven himself worthy with strong performances in the G League this season.
As the Celtics deal with the recent departures of players like Josh Minott and Xavier Tillman, they will need to increase their roster to at least 14 players by February 19. Stevens emphasized the necessity of securing one more ball-handler, which suggests a proactive approach to addressing the current gaps in the lineup.
One of the notable trades involved the move of Anfernee Simons to strengthen the frontcourt with the acquisition of Nikola Vucevic. This adjustment has influenced head coach Joe Mazzulla’s strategy, particularly causing a shift that returned Payton Pritchard to a bench role. The team faces challenges in guard depth following these changes, but Stevens indicated that a number of veterans could potentially be available on the buyout market, provided they are willing to accept a lesser role.
Stevens made it clear that any new signing would need to align with the team’s ethos of contribution over reputation. “Sometimes that actually eliminates maybe people with bigger reputations, but it brings in the right person for your team,” he explained, emphasizing a team-oriented mentality as they look for the right fit.
Salary restrictions are another layer to the Celtics’ strategy as they aim to maintain their status under the luxury tax. The team plans to utilize various contract options, including 10-day deals, to maneuver effectively within the roster rules. The overarching goal remains focused on securing players who are eager to contribute to winning, rather than simply seeking a name with a high profile.
As the February 19 deadline approaches, the Celtics are in a position to reshape their team dynamics thoughtfully and strategically, fostering a collective commitment to success that could enhance their performance throughout the remainder of the season.