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Volume 3-point shooter from Big East unlikely to make Boston Celtics

By Andrew Hughes

The Boston Celtics added 4-year Providence Friars guard A.J. Reeves on an Exhibit 10 deal but he's likely to be assigned to Maine Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics added 4-year Providence Friars guard A.J. Reeves on an Exhibit 10 deal but he's likely to be assigned to Maine Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Celtics are making their final cuts before the 2022-23 season begins, but as the preseason concludes this coming Friday in the team’s second matchup with the Toronto Raptors this October, they are also filling out the Maine Celtics roster.

Luka Samanic has been signed and released, and that will be the likely result for the C’s newest Exhibit 10 contract holder, 6-foot-6 combo guard A.J. Reeves. Reeves is a native of Roxbury and played four years of Big East basketball at Providence.

During his time with the Friars, Reeves was a shot-creator tasked with kickstarting an offense that averaged roughly 71 points per game over his tenure. While his mid-range game wasn’t the most efficient, his 3-point shot was reliable — topping out his freshman year at 38% and sitting at 37% after his senior year.

Unfortunately for Reeves, he isn’t likely to make the Boston Celtics roster to complete the hometown hero angle, but luckily he will be employed in his native New England under the Cs umbrella.

Why A.J. Reeves won’t make the Boston Celtics

Barring something miraculous happening October 14 for the Boston Celtics’ preseason finale at the Bell Centre, A.J. Reeves will be a one-and-done for the team until the C’s backcourt is hurting for depth. Right now, most of the team’s highest minute-getters are projected to be guards — including Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, and Derrick White.

Reeves could eventually push for a two-way deal if he can catch a hot hand in Maine. JD Davison will be a priority as a recent draft pick who showed plenty of promise in the G-League, but if he disappoints like he did under Nate Oats at Alabama, the door could open for the product of the Boston suburbs.

Again, injuries to several members of the Celtics backcourt would create an opportunity for Reeves to reach the pro level as soon as possible. But new Maine Celtics head coach Alex Barlow should expect the Providence alum to continue his basketball journey on his first G-League depth chart.

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