The Boston Celtics announced Tuesday that Keith Bogans has been excused from the team indefinitely for personal reasons.
The 33-year-old guard was acquired over the summer as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets.
Bogans told Hoopsworld’s Jessica Camerato earlier this month that he was frustrated with a lack of playing time and thought he’d be on the court more.
“I just want to play,” Bogans said. “I want to play basketball. I want to get off the bench. I had no idea that I would be in this position. [My expectations were] that I would play.”
Bogans, who was with the Celtics during Monday night’s loss to the Houston Rockets but missed practice Tuesday, has not played in the last four games and is averaging two points per game in just six appearances this season.
Bogans is being paid $5.1 million this season, and he remains under contract with the Celtics during this time. He emphasized to Camerato that the money doesn’t matter.
“Money is good, but if you’re not happy doing what you love to do … I want to play basketball,” Bogans said.
In response to whether or not he’s happy, Bogans continued: “The fact that I’m not playing, no. But put people in my position and see what would happen. It’s easier said than done. So anybody can say, ‘Yeah, I’m happy, I’m getting money,’ but come on now.”
