The Boston Celtics have filled their open roster spot by converting JD Davison to a standard two-year NBA contract. Davison won G League MVP early this season and thrived with the Maine Celtics. The 6-foot-1 guard has been seeking a standard contract since being drafted in 2022. This was a key decision for the Celtics to make since they had an open roster spot and two-way players aren’t eligible for the playoffs. Boston had until the end of the season to fill this open roster spot. Similarly last season, the Celtics converted Neemias Queta to a standard contract just before the playoffs. Let’s further dive into the significance of this move.
Celtics Make Final Roster Decision
Davison Provides the Celtics With Guard Depth
After trading away Jaden Springer at the deadline, converting Davison to a standard deal for guard depth was logical. While Davison isn’t a part of the Celtics rotation, rounding out the roster with another guard makes sense. Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard are the only other guards on the roster. They all command big minutes, however, the Celtics have more wing depth making it harder to convert Drew Peterson, who was competing with Davison for the final roster spot.
Another key aspect of this move is that it’s a two-year deal. Davison was originally set to become a restricted free agent this summer. This signing indicates the Celtics aren’t just giving Davison the final roster spot due to his stellar G League play but they believe he can be a long-term contributor to the team. Davison’s best skills are his finishing at the rim and high-IQ playmaking. His ability to control the pace with his speed and orchestrate an offense with his passing vision make him an intriguing NBA player.
Davison Earns an NBA Opportunity
The Celtics drafted Davison 53rd overall out of Alabama in 2022. Davison has been one of the best players in the G League for the past three years. Earlier this season he became the Maine Celtics’ all-time leading scorer and was later named G League MVP. Additionally, Davison represented the G League in the NBA’s Rising Stars game. In the G League Davison posted excellent averages of 25.1 points, 7.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds for the season. Ultimately, he did everything possible to earn an opportunity in the NBA. If he wasn’t on such a talented team this chance would have likely come sooner.
For his NBA career, Davison has played in 35 games including 15 games this season. In 76 total minutes this season, Davison has recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. While he won’t play much in the playoffs, Davison will likely be given some occasional spot minutes next year. Davison has the skill set and track record to become a quality NBA guard, at 22, it’s more than possible he will develop into just that.
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