Celtics’ Brad Stevens Weighs In On Boston’s Final Roster Spot

The Boston Celtics have signed most of their 2024 NBA Finals team back for next season, but one spot remains open on the roster.

The Celtics initially missed out on retaining Oshae Brissett after he declined his $2.5 million player option for the 2024-25 season. Brissett decided to test free agency, but he could still sign with Boston, though it is unlikely.

The 6-foot-7 forward appeared in 55 regular-season games for the Celtics, averaging 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 11.5 minutes. During the 2024 playoffs, Brissett didn’t receive many minutes on the court.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was asked by reporters if Brissett could potentially fill the 15th roster spot.

“We have to be mindful of, with the last roster spot, what our needs might be,” Stevens told reporters, per SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell. “Oshae had a terrific year with us, not only when he got the opportunity on the court but as a teammate and a person. In his shoes, there might be the desire to play more, too. I always want to be respectful of that, but we loved having Oshae.”

Brissett most likely would not get many minutes if he did sign back with the Celtics so the possibility of him filling the last spot is low.

Stevens said they need to see where their needs are, one of which could be filling Kristaps Porzingis’ shoes if he is not fully recovered from his ankle injury. The former Celtics coach hinted at that being the area of which Boston is looking at.

“We’ll see how the next few months play themselves out with regard to people’s ability,” Stevens said. “Obviously Kristaps is going to have a long rehab process ahead of him and we have to determine what’s the best need for our team in that 15th spot.”

Currently, the Celtics are in the Summer League season, playing the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET from the Pavilion in Las Vegas.