The Boston Celtics have reportedly filled their final remaining open roster spot according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who reports that free agent wing “Lamar Stevens has agreed to a deal” with the Celtics the season after Stevens “established himself as a defensive presence” with the Cleveland Cavaliers, starting in 25 of the 62 contests he played for the Cavs in 2022-23.
Stevens, (no relation to team president Brad Stevens) a 26-year-old, 6-foot-6 forward, averaged 5.3 points and 3.3 rebounds in around 18.1 minutes per game with Cleveland last season, shooting 44.8% from the floor overall, 31.6% from beyond the arc on limited attempts, and 70.2% from the free throw line.
Buy Celtics TicketsThe Philadelphia native played his college ball at nearby Penn State for the Nittany Lions and went undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft before being picked up by the Cavs as a two way player.
"Better spacing and a reliable kickout option in Kristaps Porzingis, that should really go a long way for Boston"
– @BobbyKrivitsky on Kristaps Porzingis trade
Check out the latest @CelticsLab Podcast!#Celtics 🍀👀🍿
⚡by @FDSportsbook
– Sign up at https://t.co/4VOXUy2IBn pic.twitter.com/jMycdNVroE
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) September 20, 2023
Stevens, mainly seen as a defensive specialist, will compete with the likes of Oshae Brissett, Jordan Walsh, and Sam Hauser for minutes on the wing this season if he makes the regular season roster. MassLive’s Brian Robb reports Stevens’ contract is partially guaranteed, with the Pennsylvanian expected to compete for a roster spot at camp
The signing seems to preclude a return of veteran big man Blake Griffin, though a later-season addition could still be on the table if the Celtics elect to cut Stevens or one of their several players on partially- or non-guaranteed contracts.
Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi
YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ
