The Boston Celtics, fresh off their NBA Championship win, have had a relatively quiet offseason. With virtually the same roster from last season, the Celtics have only made a few additions, including draft picks Baylor Scheierman and Anton Watson. Scheierman signed a multi-year deal, while Watson is expected to sign a two-way contract. The team also re-signed free agents Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Neemias Queta, extended contracts with Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, and picked up Sam Hauser’s team option.
Despite retaining their championship-winning core, the Celtics still have one open roster spot. General Manager Brad Stevens discussed this at the Las Vegas Summer League, mentioning, “We have room for another signing and we’re considering our options.”
Two free agents the Celtics are still mulling over are Oshae Brissett and Svi Mykhailiuk. Stevens commented on the potential return of Brissett, praising his defensive abilities and energy on the court. Brissett, although facing a stacked wing rotation, could provide valuable bench depth. On the other hand, Mykhailiuk offers outside shooting and could be a solid addition to the roster, though Brissett’s defensive skills give him the edge.
The Celtics face a decision on whether to re-sign Brissett or Mykhailiuk, or potentially look at players from other teams like Justin Holiday, JT Thor, or Gordon Hayward. However, given the team’s commitment to continuity and financial situation, it’s likely they start the season with a 14-man roster. This provides flexibility and helps save money in the long run.
As the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, the final roster spot remains a topic of discussion, with Stevens and the front office weighing their options carefully. The team’s dedication to maintaining a winning culture and strategic planning bodes well for their future success in the league.
