The Boston Celtics might leave their 15th roster spot open entering the upcoming campaign. That's per a report earlier this summer from Brian Robb of MassLive. The motive would be to maximize tax savings.
The franchise spent the last two years over the second apron. That approach led to banner 18. Now it's time for the organization to place a premium on gaining flexibility. That's the path back to the NBA summit.
It might even lead to leaving that last roster spot vacant throughout the 2025-26 season. However, if that gets filled, the goal is to find someone who can contribute beyond this season.
Could someone on a two-way deal earn that opportunity?
If so, the individual with the most clear path to seeing their pact converted to a standard NBA contract is Amari Williams. After years of stability, Boston is facing uncertainty at the center position from the top of its depth chart to the bottom.
Neemias Queta is the frontrunner to start. He will enter training camp on the heels of a promising showcase at EuroBasket. There is also offseason acquisition Luka Garza. The former AP Player of the Year as a collegiate star for the Iowa Hawkeyes has performed well in limited opportunities.
"[He's a] stats darling, but in limited time behind very, very good players," Brad Stevens expressed to this author earlier this offseason.
The chance to follow the blueprint of multiple former teammates led him to the opportunity he has with the Celtics. Behind them is Xavier Tillman Sr., aiming to prove last year was an outlier and not a tone-setter for the rest of his career.
There is also summer signing Chris Boucher. The former Toronto Raptor can patrol the pivot in small-ball lineups. Those units would likely attempt to overcome defensive concerns and questions about their ability to limit second chances by unleashing a fast-paced, dynamic offensive attack. However, Boucher is best when working in tandem with another big.
If Williams stands out in the G League, it could lead to opportunities with the parent club. At seven feet tall, he represents a more traditional option at center.
Between his facilitating chops, ability to bring the ball up the floor, and his rim protection, he offers an intriguing skill set. However, the former Kentucky Wildcats star is a raw talent. The season might come and go with him remaining on a two-way deal.
Then, there's RJ Luis Jr. The former St. John's standout was the Big East Player of the Year and a Second-Team All-American. Interestingly enough, after leading the Red Storm in scoring, he may prove most impactful on defense at the professional level.
The six-foot-seven wing has a wingspan stretching six feet and 10.5 inches. Luis's size, length, and athleticism give him the tools to be a disruptive defender. He averaged 1.4 steals at St. John's last year. He registered over one theft per game in each of his three NCAA seasons.
If he impresses the Celtics with his defensive contributions and improves as a shooter in their infrastructure, then maybe he'll play his way into a full-time roster spot in Boston.
As for Max Shulga, he earned positive reviews from the Celtics for his performance at Summer League. The 57th overall selection in this year's NBA Draft takes care of the ball, including against full-court pressure, when asked to run the point and initiate the offense.
At the other end, he is a bulldog. Shulga hounds opposing guards, living in their air space and proving difficult to gain separation from, even with a screen.
The former Atlantic-10 Player of the Year is best known for his sharpshooting. That package could translate to starring in Maine. If it happens, maybe the Celtics will see how he does on the NBA stage. That could especially prove true if they trade Anfernee Simons.
Seeing any one of these three play so well in the G League that they earn minutes with the parent club, then seize that opportunity to the point Boston converts their two-way deal into a standard NBA contract is asking for everything to break right. It could happen for one of them, but that would defy the odds.