Brad Stevens’ comments spell uncertainty for Boston Celtics wing’s future
By Sam LaFrance
There’s a whole lot of nothing to fill the void between the NBA Summer League and the start of Boston Celtics training camp. One of the few lingering storylines that ties the two events together is the finalization of Boston’s roster.
The Celtics currently have 14 of their 15 roster spots filled, and two-of-three two-way slots occupied. If they’re interested in creating even more room, the Cs could elect to waive either Luke Kornet or Justin Champagnie — the two players with non-guaranteed contracts.
According to MassLive’s Brian Robb, Champagnie is the more likely of the two to be let go.
“The first intriguing decision the Celtics have to make soon is with the future of Champagnie, who had a mediocre run in Summer League last week,” Robb wrote. “He was a late-season signing last year with Boston’s open roster spot at the very end of the regular season so he hasn’t played any meaningful minutes with the team. Champagnie’s partial guarantees on his deal begin to kick in on August 1st with a $50,000 guarantee and that jumps up to $350,000 on opening night. With luxury tax penalties figured in, those guarantees are far more costly to Boston’s books than those totals indicate. Champagnie could compete for a roster spot in camp with just the $50,000 guarantee but it sounds like the Celtics have bigger goals for the wing spot based on Brad Stevens’ comments last week.”
If the Boston Celtics waive Justin Champagnie, then what?
In the case that Champagnie is sent on his way before the start of next season, then the idea would be to add another wing off of the bench in his place.
Boston Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens hinted at a move like that last week.
“I think we’ll try to add obviously a little bit,” Stevens said in Las Vegas, per Robb. “I’d like to get a little more depth, maybe on the wing, and then also maybe with a 4/3 type. I feel pretty good about our bigs. We’ve got a couple two ways, so we’ve got some things we’re still very much looking at.”
When taking a deeper look into Stevens’ comments, one name that comes to mind is former Celtics wing Javonte Green. Green is currently available as an unrestricted free agent, after spending two seasons with the Chicago Bulls. Green would reportedly “welcome a reunion” with the Celtics.
The 29-year-old suited up in 73 total games for the Celtics from 2019-2021. He averaged 3.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game while shooting 51.8% from the field and 29.1% from beyond the arc.