The Boston Celtics will choose between Taylor Funk and DJ Steward for their final two-way contract holder after already signing 2022 second-round pick JD Davison and Jay Scrubb to such deals this offseason — and according to Boston.com’s Luke Scotchie, that decision will be made by the end of training camp.
“Funk will have an opportunity to make the Celtics’ roster and wear the same jersey his idol wore, but he’s not the only one,” Scotchie prefaced before saying, “He’ll be vying with former Sacramento Kings G-Leaguer DJ Steward for that final two-way roster spot. It’s not yet clear who will earn that spot, but a decision will almost certainly be made after training camp ends.”
Both players are more than likely to end up in the C’s G-League affiliate, the Maine Celtics, at some point this season; barring another team signing away one of them after some preseason action in October. The competition is to see who is more ready to appear in garbage time minutes. Or, if another December 2021-COVID-19 Omicron variant snafu happens this upcoming season.
Taylor Funk idolized Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird growing up
In truth, Steward plays a more-needed position for the Boston Celtics, but Funk brings a brand of modern positionless basketball that’s based on Larry Bird; something sure to excite any Cs fan who sees potential in the Utah State product.
“I studied Larry Bird,” Funk told The Aggship’s Patrick Mayhorn. “I mean, I don’t think there’s a YouTube video of Larry Bird that I have not seen.”
The Cs don’t need Bird. In truth, a player who can hit shots and defend in the same vein as departed restricted free agent Grant Williams after Boston’s former No. 12 was signed and traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
But if Funk wants to shoot for the stars, specifically the Celtics’ greatest swingman legend, this writer wouldn’t dare try to stop him.