Who gets a spot?

[snowman]

We have one regular team roster spot, one 2-way roster spot and four affiliate spots available to use. Who, out of the following gets what?

Watson 6'8 225 SF/PF 23 year old (our 2024 2nd round draft pick)
Tillie 6'9 220 PF/C 26 years old
Ramsey 6'3 195 PG 23 years old
House 6'0 165 PG 23 years old
Harper 6'4 233 G/F 24 years old
Enaruna 6'8 220 PF 23 years old
Cook 6'8 250 PF 26 years old
FA (not with the team currently)
no one Leave open for flexibility

I think the 15th roster spot will be left open for now, but IMO there is a 35% (my number) chance Watson will be offered the 15th roster spot if he does really good during training camp and someone else shows out enough that needs to be signed to the 2-way spot or lose him. If not, then I think Watson will get the 2-way spot, with a promise to be considered for the 15th roster spot unless needed for injury coverage.
I think if Watson gets the 14th roster spot then one of the four listed here will get the 3rd 2-way spot. If Watson is signed to the last 2-way, then the four affiliate spots are offered to Tillie, Ramsey, House and Enaruna, but Enaruna will be on a short list and will be the first cast off if needed to be moved for another player.

[Hal14]

I think it'll be Watson on a 2-way, 15th spot left open.

And I don't really care who gets the affiliate spots lol but I guess hoping for Tillie, House, Ramsey and Harper..

[threrf23]

15th spot is a tough one, I feel like it should be left open (or we should at least have a plan to free up a spot if needed), but I also feel like Watson demands it. At best he is a valuable role player, at worst he feels very much like a good guy to have at the end of the bench and on the practice floor.

For the two way, could make a case for Tillie as a guy who has closet upside, and at worst makes the Red Claws a bit better. Could make a case for House, as an energy guy whose father is Celtics fam.

I would generally be open to others on a two way, but I don't get Hal's obsession with mentioning Harper as a candidate. He's just not talented enough to overcome that he is effectively a slow footed 6'4 center IMO...6'6 depending on the source, but still

[165bows]

15th spot is a tough one, I feel like it should be left open (or we should at least have a plan to free up a spot if needed), but I also feel like Watson demands it. At best he is a valuable role player, at worst he feels very much like a good guy to have at the end of the bench and on the practice floor.

For the two way, could make a case for Tillie as a guy who has closet upside, and at worst makes the Red Claws a bit better. Could make a case for House, as an energy guy whose father is Celtics fam.

I would generally be open to others on a two way, but I don't get Hal's obsession with mentioning Harper as a candidate. He's just not talented enough to overcome that he is effectively a slow footed 6'4 center IMO...6'6 depending on the source, but still

I may be wrong on this but I think the affiliate spots are for guys that have the exhibit 10 camp invite contracts. That may not be a requirement but there is some association there between those contracts.

The two I know of now are Harper and Enaruna who they’ve extended those camp deals to so that’s part of it.

[djFan71]

I think it'll be Watson on a 2-way, 15th spot left open.

And I don't really care who gets the affiliate spots lol but I guess hoping for Tillie, House, Ramsey and Harper..

Yep, pretty much this. Barring a trade or a fantastic camp for Watson.

[cl2117]

15th spot gets left open. Don't bring a guy like Svi in who would get in the way of developmental minutes for our young guys while not adding much value as a bench piece. Let the two-ways compete for the roster spot and the likes of Queta, Springer, Walsh, Baylor, Watson eat up any minutes that would normally go to that vet 15th man. You still have the flexibility to add a player based on need later on in the year if necessary, but it'd save a decent chunk of change by only having to pay a pro-rated portion of the salary based on when the spot is eventually filled.

There are certainly some remaining free agents that are worthy of that 15th spot, but the other factor to consider is how they might impact locker room dynamics given how limited their role would be. This is in part why I'd be fine bringing Oshae back if both sides are happy. At the very least you know he'll fit in with the team, with the added bonus of some on court value as an energy/hustle guy. The same could be said for Svi, but Oshae has a much more complimentary skillset. The downside is that any minutes he gets will come out of the pot available for the youngins, but I think I historically overvalue the impact of those minutes on guys' development anyway.

Watson gets the last two-way. Love how he's looked so far, but since we don't have to, let's not rush adding him to the main roster. Take advantage of the fact that we can put him on a two-way and make sure that we're not all getting overexcited about fool's gold.

If we had 3 other two-way eligible guys that we were really excited about keeping around, I'd be more tempted to give Watson the 15th spot but JD and Drew are both guys I'd be fine swapping out for another lottery ticket anyway. None of the other guys on the Summer League roster looked like they'd warrant any hand wringing over potentially losing them either, so happy to leave that trio as our two-ways to start the season.

In terms of affiliate spots I'd roll with Enaruna and House definitely and then two of Tillie, Cook or Ramsey.
- Enaruna in limited SL minutes looked like a poorer man's version of Watson. Can't hurt to keep another guy like that around.
- House I want around for the vibes mostly. Love his energy, it's a bit of nepotism, but for an affiliate spot that's fine.
- Tillie looked solid but not athletic enough to be an NBA player. Would keep him in Maine to see if he turns a corner
- Cook would be mostly just to keep Tatum sweet (aka the new Harry Giles). He was solid but at 26 he's not going to make the leap
- Ramsey could be a G-League stud. Put him on the team and see if he's willing to try and play some D.

[Hal14]

I would generally be open to others on a two way, but I don't get Hal's obsession with mentioning Harper as a candidate. He's just not talented enough to overcome that he is effectively a slow footed 6'4 center IMO...6'6 depending on the source, but still

Obsession? That seems out of pocket.

I didn't mention Harper as a 2-way candidate. I said I'd give him 1 of our 4 affiliate spots (which is lower than a 2-way). I also said that I didn't really care who got the affiliate spots.

Also, Harper is not a center. He's a wing who can also play the 4 spot. 6'5.5" in shoes (not 6'4"), 240 lbs and a 7'1.25" wingspan. Fairly similar build to Grant Williams but about 3" longer wingspan.

And it wouldn't be the craziest idea to have Harper on a 2-way, since he was on a 2-way last year and the year before with the Raptors. And some experts saw him as a 1st round caliber prospect in the 2022 draft.

I'm not even saying he's that good..just that he's maybe worth an affiliate spot..

[threrf23]

Obsession? That seems out of pocket.

Yeah, wrong word.

Anyways, maybe my eyes fail me, but from what I saw of SL I thought he looked a bit slow to guard the 5, let alone the 4 or the wing. Hence, my C designation.

Statistically, he did flash some defensive potential while in college, although he was also a poor rebounder relative to his attributes.

[threrf23]

15th spot gets left open. Don't bring a guy like Svi in who would get in the way of developmental minutes for our young guys while not adding much value as a bench piece.

I'm talking semantics, because we don't really have minutes for him and he should also probably be trying to secure his financial future elsewhere...

But I like Svi and feel he is the type of player who can ride the bench all season just to come up huge for us at a random moment where we randomly have a need for him. His offensive game is highly natural and he comes off as a solid teammate.

[Dogen]

For the 2-Ways, I'm good with Davison, Peterson, and Watson -- the three "sons". That's a spare PG, shooter, and utility big with 50 games each to bring down from Maine for a spell. JD is in third year, needs to show he can run the offense. Peterson is not only a 3 pt shooter but in summer league had ball handling duties. Not sure what to make of him, but he's gotten his body stronger so maybe can make the next step. Watson, I think he'll be able to step in right away if needed, but best now to be mainly in Maine where he can develop his role.

For the 15th spot, I think the team needs to be ALL ABOUT THAT CHEMISTRY and CONTINUITY. Top choice is just get Brissy back, but maybe that's not happening. The Celtics won the title, resigned the core, JB was MVP, but lately all the news is about how JB was disrespected, the Nike thing, Jayson disrespected by Kerr, etc. The Celtics brass needs to focus on keeping the main characters happy and focused on repeating.

So the team doesn't need another new player to onboard at 15th spot. But for vet depth, and from what's out there, I'll give a tip of the hat to Hal's comments and say my #2 pick now after Brissett is... Justin Holiday.

Justin ticks off the boxes as vet wing shooter with enough size and decent D, and won't be complaining about minutes, getting exposure for his next big contract (he's 35).

He seems like a great guy and already has family on the Celtics. I imagine he'd fit right in as a player that can spot White, Jrue and Brown at times, and has complimentary skills to Hauser and Pritchard as well.

So if I'm Brad I'd ask Jrue about getting his bro here. IMO, Jrue was sort of the team's "not so secret MVP" last season. Basically, no Holiday, no chip.

It's time for us all to think about taking another Holiday.

[ConstableGeneva]

Brad intentionally left the 15th spot open so you maniacs have something to talk about.

[Fencer reregistered]

Brad intentionally left the 15th spot open so you maniacs have something to talk about.

And frankly to save a bit of money.

[shackles10]

Brad intentionally left the 15th spot open so you maniacs have something to talk about.

And frankly to save a bit of money.

Didn’t save me a dime

[165bows]

Brad intentionally left the 15th spot open so you maniacs have something to talk about.

And frankly to save a bit of money.

Didn’t save me a dime

The money thing is the obvious part but I think it’s fair to take Brad at his word - they partly keep it open so they have flexibility in case of injury. Ie it’s a hedge against future unknowable loss.

[Hal14]

And frankly to save a bit of money.

Didn’t save me a dime

The money thing is the obvious part but I think it’s fair to take Brad at his word - they partly keep it open so they have flexibility in case of injury. Ie it’s a hedge against future unknowable loss.

I agree that flexibility is part of it.

But I think the biggest reason why he's leaving the 15th spot open is for $ savings.

During Brad's first 2 years as POBO, we filled the 15th roster spot to start the season (with Bruno Fernando in 21-22 and with Justin Jackson in 22-23). Year before that (Ainge's last year as POBO) it was Carsen Edwards in the 15th spot.

It's only been the past 2 years (23-24 and 24-25) that we're leaving the 15th spot open - the 2 years that we're over the 2nd apron..

[Fencer reregistered]

Didn’t save me a dime

The money thing is the obvious part but I think it’s fair to take Brad at his word - they partly keep it open so they have flexibility in case of injury. Ie it’s a hedge against future unknowable loss.

I agree that flexibility is part of it.

But I think the biggest reason why he's leaving the 15th spot open is for $ savings.

During Brad's first 2 years as POBO, we filled the 15th roster spot to start the season (with Bruno Fernando in 21-22 and with Justin Jackson in 22-23). Year before that (Ainge's last year as POBO) it was Carsen Edwards in the 15th spot.

It's only been the past 2 years (23-24 and 24-25) that we're leaving the 15th spot open - the 2 years that we're over the 2nd apron..

Strictly speaking, leaving the spot open creates no extra flexibility -- because you could always cut somebody to create a spot.

The main downside to filling the 15th slot, therefore, is the financial cost.

[165bows]

The money thing is the obvious part but I think it’s fair to take Brad at his word - they partly keep it open so they have flexibility in case of injury. Ie it’s a hedge against future unknowable loss.

I agree that flexibility is part of it.

But I think the biggest reason why he's leaving the 15th spot open is for $ savings.

During Brad's first 2 years as POBO, we filled the 15th roster spot to start the season (with Bruno Fernando in 21-22 and with Justin Jackson in 22-23). Year before that (Ainge's last year as POBO) it was Carsen Edwards in the 15th spot.

It's only been the past 2 years (23-24 and 24-25) that we're leaving the 15th spot open - the 2 years that we're over the 2nd apron..

Strictly speaking, leaving the spot open creates no extra flexibility -- because you could always cut somebody to create a spot.

The main downside to filling the 15th slot, therefore, is the financial cost.

That’s not how they do things. Brad since he had his team in place over a two year window hasn’t been a “bring a guy in and cut him” guy.

[playa-hater]

Am I wrong for thinking hoping that by the end of Training camp Boston releases JD because there will be quite a few/many very talented players who are better than JD, NOT making a roster.

This is not a knock-on JD, but rather I feel he is an OK NBA talent, but there just are players with better upside out there..

[Fencer reregistered]

Am I wrong for thinking hoping that by the end of Training camp Boston releases JD because there will be quite a few/many very talented players who are better than JD, NOT making a roster.

This is not a knock-on JD, but rather I feel he is an OK NBA talent, but there just are players with better upside out there..

Other PGs?

[playa-hater]

Am I wrong for thinking hoping that by the end of Training camp Boston releases JD because there will be quite a few/many very talented players who are better than JD, NOT making a roster.

This is not a knock-on JD, but rather I feel he is an OK NBA talent, but there just are players with better upside out there..

Other PGs?

I believe when the final cuts come around in October , there will be some Quality point guards available if brad chooses to go that route..