It sounds like the Celtics are being strategic with their roster and salary cap management. By leaving one roster spot open, they retain flexibility, which can be crucial throughout the season for making trades or signing players if needed. Keeping that spot free allows them to adapt to any injuries or other issues that might arise. It’s a smart move considering their hefty payroll and the competitive nature of the NBA.
That’s an impressive—and expensive—commitment! Going over the second apron indicates that the Celtics are really pushing the limits of the salary cap to build a championship-contending team. Spending around $515.4 million on payroll and tax payments for the 2025-26 season underscores their dedication to maintaining a high-caliber roster. However, this level of spending also means they’ll face significant luxury tax penalties, which could impact their financial flexibility in future seasons. It’ll be interesting to see how they balance their immediate pursuit of a title with long-term financial planning.
Signing Anton Watson to a two-way deal is a solid move for adding depth and potential to the roster. Two-way contracts are a great way for teams to develop promising talent while keeping their main roster spots open for key players. As the Celtics continue to refine their training camp roster and seek additional talent for their G League team in Maine, they’ll likely focus on finding players who can contribute to both their immediate needs and long-term development.
The G League is a valuable resource for player development, offering a platform for younger players to gain experience and improve their skills. This approach not only helps in building a stronger overall team but also ensures that the Celtics have a pipeline of talent ready to step up when needed.
Bringing back Jay Scrubb on an Exhibit 10 contract is a strategic move for the Celtics. Exhibit 10 contracts are designed for players who are on the fringe of making the roster but show potential. They often include an invitation to training camp and a chance to earn a spot on the team or the G League affiliate.
For Scrubb, this opportunity allows him to showcase his skills and potentially secure a spot on the Celtics’ roster or their G League team. For Boston, it’s a way to evaluate talent without a long-term commitment, while also strengthening their training camp and developmental squad. It’s a win-win situation that provides both the team and the player with a chance to prove their worth.
Jay Scrubb’s performance in the 2023 Summer League definitely shows why the Celtics are interested in bringing him back. Averaging 14.4 points and shooting 40 percent from three-point range indicates he has the scoring ability and perimeter shooting that could be valuable for Boston. His contributions in rebounds, steals, and blocks also suggest he has a well-rounded game and can impact various aspects of play.
His Summer League stats reflect potential that the Celtics might want to develop further. If he can continue to improve and adapt to the NBA level, he could become a key player for their G League team and potentially earn a spot on the main roster.
It’s unfortunate that Jay Scrubb’s season was cut short by an ACL injury, especially after he showed promise with his performance in the Summer League. ACL injuries are tough to recover from, but it’s encouraging to hear that he’s already at 80 percent and working towards a full recovery.
His decision to return to Boston and sign a training camp deal once he’s cleared to play shows his commitment and optimism. It also reflects the Celtics’ belief in his potential and their willingness to support him through his recovery. If he continues to progress well, he could become an important part of their future plans, either on the main roster or with their G League affiliate.
