Dalano Banton
Dalano Banton cannot be judged by a minuscule sample size of 24 games with the Boston Celtics last season where he averaged 2.3 points on 38% shooting overall in only seven minutes a game. The point forward needs time to catch a rhythm and arguably if given more time could've contributed to Banner 18. Once traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, he caught fire in a major way, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 29 minutes a game.
The campaign to retain Dalano Banton and give him rotational minutes should be underway. Maybe, receiving a championship ring will make him embrace sacrificing a deservingly big payday for competing for Banner 19. His stock is rising and the six-foot-nine wing is a rising star who could slot in as the sixth man of the Celtics next season.
Garrison Mathews
Garrison Mathews suited up for the Boston Celtics in 2021 training camp and the preseason, but was cut ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season to much of the surprise of the fanbase. A sharpshooter who plays high-energy defense would be a welcome addition to the C's bench. In 66 games for the Atlanta Hawks last season, the 27-year-old forward shot 44% on the long ball. This, coupled with the same tenacious D and the chip on his shoulder being undrafted, is enough for me to want to get him in green for real.
The Boston Celtics would not be in heavy competition with other teams to sign Garrison Mathews as he is not a household name. The forward has not experienced any degree of winning in his young NBA career and should be looking towards being a role player on a contender. Boston's offense is predicated on the ability to stretch the floor. Let Brad Stevens find more ammo in a new secret weapon.
Daniel Theis
This world has three guarantees: life, death, and Daniel Theis in a Boston Celtics jersey. Altogether in two separate stints, the German center has played five seasons with the green team. A big man who sets screens, rebounds, protects the rim, takes charges, and can hit the three at solid efficiency. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 6.3 points, and 4.1 rebounds on 54% shooting, and 37% from the three in 17 minutes a game.
Daniel Theis is coming off being buried in a loaded center rotation on the LA Clippers behind Ivica Zubac and Mason Plumlee. The Cs need a new third big in the rotation with Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman as pending free agents. I am ready for the war on Theis to commence again. He gets the worst whistle in the league but plays the hardest when he is out there.
