The Celtics brass have some tough decisions on the horizon as they elect how to configure the back end of the 15-man roster. With just 10 players on guaranteed deals, there will be plenty of opportunity to be flexible if an appealing name or two hits the open market before roster cutdowns.
That reality puts the back end of the Celtics roster on watch on the heels of a preseason finale against the Hornets. While uncertainty remains for a good portion of that group, one player that made a strong closing case for himself against Charlotte was former Cavs wing Lamar Stevens.
The 6-foot-6 forward signed a Exhibit 9 deal with Boston just weeks before training camp in hopes of landing a potential role with a contender. After a slow start to his exhibition season, Stevens finished out on a promising note Thursday night, posting 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field in the 127-99 win over the Hornets.
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A lack of reliable 3-point shooting will always be a knock on the 25-year-old forward, but Stevens showcased the energy upside he could bring off the bench in the performance. Boston was sorely lacking in the athleticism department last year with their reserves and Stevens provides that dynamic as a springy wing that could be useful while surrounded by a bunch of shooters.
His ability to hit the offensive glass wore Boston out in a head-to-head contest last year in Cleveland and that mentality could go a long way this season on nights the Celtics are dragging.
He posted good finishing numbers during this preseason (52 percent from the field) and also was second on the team in offensive rebounds per game (1.5) in his four preseason appearances. Throw in a gritty defensive mentality and this is an ideal option for Joe Mazzulla to have on the end of his bench.
Several other players with partial guarantees have acquitted themselves well this month with Svi Mykhailiuk and Dalano Banton expected to make the final 15-man roster per league sources. Stevens did quite well on Thursday night to put himself in that mix as well.
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