The Boston Celtics are rounding out their training camp roster. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Brad Stevens has added Jalen Bridges to the roster, where he will fight for a two-way spot.
Bridges is unlikely to be successful in that endeavour. Boston recently signed draftees Max Shulga and Amari Williams to two-way contracts while also trading for RJ Luis to fill the third and final two-way spot.
However, if Bridges has signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Celtics, which is likely, he could earn a bonus if he lands with and sticks with the Maine Celtics for 60 days.
“Players who sign Exhibit 10 contracts are also eligible for a bonus if they play for the NBA team’s G League affiliate after being waived,” As explained by Spotrac. “For the 2023-24 season, that bonus can range from $5,000 to $75,000. (The maximum amount will increase by the same percentage as the salary cap does for future years. This was changed in the current CBA from being a set amount in the previous CBA.) In order to receive this bonus, a player must report to and remain with the G League affiliate for a period of no less than 60 days.”
Bridges was part of the Celtics Summer League roster in Las Vegas. In four outings, he averaged 8 points and 3.3 rebounds, shooting 44.4% from the field.
Celtics Need Youngsters To Step Up
Bridges won’t be the only young talent fighting to prove himself this summer. Stevens has restructured the rotation, with Hugo Gonzalez, Josh Minott and Luka Garza all expected to fight for legitimate playing time. They will be joined by Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman and Neemias Queta, who were already on the roster.
Stevens’ move toward a younger rotation was primarily due to cap issues. Before making a flurry of moves at the start of the offseason, the Celtics were staring down the barrel of a $500 million payroll.
Nevertheless, Boston’s new young contingent will all get a chance to prove themselves. However, it’s unclear how many will stick with the team long-term.
Celtics Get Another Encouraging Tatum Update
Jayson Tatum‘s Achilles tendon injury during the 2024 NBA Playoffs provided Stevens with another reason to begin ushering in a retooling phase in Boston. However, a recent report from the “Zolak and Bertrand Show” on 98.5 The Sports Hub has provided Celtics fans with a reason for optimism.
“The Celtics are very happy with how hard Jayson Tatum has been working at his rehab, and his level of focus and intensity in the rehab process,” Bertrand said. “Since the injury, he has not left town and he has been inside the building at the Celtics facility with their people and their team every day, Monday through Friday, almost every single day. For months.”
It’s still unclear whether Tatum will return to the Celtics rotation next season. However, he appears to be ahead of schedule. Therefore, the fanbase will likely continue to hold out hope of seeing their star player back on the court before the summer of 2026.
The downside is that Tatum will be miles away from the best version of himself, as he would need to rebuild his fitness and get his on-court confidence going again.