The Boston Celtics have a few more decisions to make before the 2023-24 season officially begins. The club has just 11 guaranteed contracts at the time of this writing, with two full roster spots still available. After waiving former Pitt Panther Justin Champagnie earlier this week, the Celtics have a bit more financial breathing room, too. How will Boston’s front office round out this roster?
One potential move could be bringing back veteran Blake Griffin. The 34-year-old provided important leadership in Boston’s locker room last season, though his impact on the court was limited at best. Regardless, according to CLNS’s Bobby Manning, the “door remains open” for another stint for Griffin in Celtics green.
“I’ve heard the door remains open for his return despite the distance from family and his home on the west coast,” Manning reported. “Given that he mulled his options until October last year, it’s worth assuming he’ll follow a similarly deliberative process this summer.”
Both Kristaps Porzingis (Latvia) and Oshae Brissett are still representing their respective national teams https://t.co/BOSZen9JLL
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 4, 2023
As Manning explained, Griffin’s veteran status in the league allows him to sign a deal with a smaller cap hit than a younger player. For example, keeping Champagnie for another season would cost the Celtics $2 million more on their cap sheet than re-upping with Griffin. Any financial savings will be helpful for Boston given its already expensive payroll.
Griffin logged 16 starts with the Celtics during the ’22-23 season, appearing in 41 total games. His days as a superstar on the court are over, but his accountability and the tone he set for the team and specifically its bench players is hard to quantify. This is especially true with Boston’s changing roster and leadership dynamic.
The Celtics are likely in no rush to fill out their depth chart with a few more months before things really kick into gear. Both sides could spend a couple of weeks mulling their options before any deal is done.
What exactly is this power ranking using for criteria to elevate these ball clubs above Boston? https://t.co/m3p3dzDWHk
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) August 4, 2023
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