Analyst on Boston Celtics releasing undrafted guard: ‘Brad saw enough’
The Boston Celtics parted ways with undrafted 2020 guard prospect Brodric Thomas, who played in 12 games during the team’s run to the 2022 NBA Finals this past season and also started for Joe Mazzulla’s Summer League Cs.
Thomas struggled mightily during his three 2022 preseason appearances, shooting 1/8 overall and 1/4 from the 3-point line. He had just four points in 33 minutes of playing time against the Charlotte Hornets (2x) and the Toronto Raptors.
It’s not a stretch to say that Thomas was a disappointment this preseason after being considered one of the dark horse contenders to make the team out of the group of unguaranteed deals Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens collected the past few months.
BSS’ Dan Greenberg believes that Stevens had simply seen enough of Thomas and didn’t feel it was necessary to see him play in the team’s preseason finale on October 14 against the Toronto Raptors:
Brad saw enough lol https://t.co/8ZRTO37WTV
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) October 12, 2022
Who the Boston Celtics are expected to release next
With the Boston Celtics signing Blake Griffin right before the start of the preseason, there’s only two roster spots left for training camp signings to seize. Noah Vonleh getting the starting nod against the Hornets on October 7 bodes well for his chances to make the team, so that could leave just one roster spot left.
Justin Jackson has made more of an impact than Jake Layman has, his 0/8 dud in Toronto notwithstanding. There’s also a scenario where the Celtics front office opts against signing either player.
A veteran like Maurice Harkless could be an intriguing addition to the second unit as someone who can defend at a high level and is a few seasons removed from being a sharpshooter from beyond the arc. Just like with Griffin, Stevens can make a surprise signing that adds someone to get the team through the early portion of the season before Robert Williams returns, allowing the team to go smaller on the perimeter with a bona fide rim protector in the middle.