NEW YORK — Torrey Craig is still learning names and faces as the newest Celtics wing signed earlier Saturday. He’s had a busy few days ahead of the C’s beating the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, flying from Chicago to Boston to New York all on Friday.
Craig got through the paperwork, physical and everything else to be the latest form of reinforcements for the Celtics. Boston president Brad Stevens said they were going to sign a wing Thursday, then a couple hours after those public comments, the Celtics went and did just that. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla spoke about Craig, what he brings and how he can be incorporated to the team.
“He’s versatile enough to where it could be seamless from a tactical standpoint,” Mazzulla said. “Obviously understanding the language and the situational stuff that comes up, but just patient. Give him a chance to just learn the language, learn the stuff. But at the same time he’s played for a long time so he can fit right in and help us at any time.”
Craig, 34, started the season on the Bulls before getting waived after the Zach LaVine trade. While he’s played in only nine games this season, and none since Dec. 30, 2024, the veteran said he feels good and hopes to return to the court soon. Considering the All-Star break is next week, the C’s can give him a chance to acclimate and make sure he’s ready to go the rest of the season.
While there will be an adjustment period, the Celtics went out and got another depth wing on the bench. Craig gives Mazzulla another bench option with a 6-foot-7 wing, including one who’s shot 39.7% on 441 3-pointers over his last three seasons. So the Celtics will hope he can slide right into the rotation — especially on nights where they’re not at full strength.
“Experience and leadership, just being around,” Craig said. “Been on a lot of good teams. Just know what it takes to win at a high level. Obviously, these guys won it last year, so they know. Just me adding to that and coming in.”
The benefit of the Craig signing is that the Celtics don’t need the veteran to contribute every night. Their rotation is set with their top guys. But if guys are out during the regular season or there are any injuries during the playoffs, the C’s can lean on Craig as another physical option. Considering they got him on the buyout market, they’ve positioned themselves well to maximize value.
“He’s been on a lot of good teams,” Mazzulla said. “High-level defender. Brings a lot of energy. He has shot the ball well over the last three years so it’s another piece that we could have on both ends of the floor.”
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