Upon the Celtics signing Lamar Stevens, it was surprising to learn he chose to come to Boston on an Exhibit 9 deal, considering he had multiple suitors, including the Miami Heat.
The former Cleveland Cavalier's one-year contract is worth slightly more than $2 million, but it's non-guaranteed. The nature of his agreement means that if he gets waived due to injury, he's only owed $6,000.
Following a training camp session at the Auerbach Center last week, Stevens conveyed the following about why he still chose the Celtics over the other teams pursuing him.
"The winning culture. When I talked to Brad (Stevens) when I came here for a workout, he said, 'The only thing they worry about is winning.' And I felt like that was perfect for what I'm about, and what I want to bring, and the things (that) I'm trying to achieve in my career."
It also helped that Boston's president of basketball operations expressed how much the Philadelphia native's grit would be welcomed and appreciated on a team that lost Marcus Smart and Grant Williams this summer.
The former Penn State Nittany Lion told Inside The Celtics the following when asked about providing those ingredients -- essential to a championship team -- which are also crucial to him carving out a role with the Celtics.
"Yeah, I think I can step right into that. Adding Jrue (Holiday) on the defensive end and me, I feel like those are roles that can be filled right in, and I'm excited for that opportunity and (to) bring what I bring to the team, and hopefully, it can uplift us. Our main goal is to win each day, and I think we can help with that."
But Stevens has to secure a roster spot. If he does, his Exhibit 9 deal will convert to a standard non-guaranteed contract.
This author anticipates that happening, and the 26-year-old certainly helped his case with his performance in Monday night's 114-107 loss to the Knicks.
The six-foot-six Stevens is most impactful at the defensive end. He has a six-foot-nine wingspan, the agility to stay with faster perimeter players as they drive downhill, and the muscle to combat stronger players. That defensive versatility was on full display at Madison Square Garden.
A prime example came in a sequence where he prevented guard Miles McBride from driving to the rim, forcing him to give up the ball. At the other end, he collected a skip pass in the right corner, attacked off the dribble, and went behind his back before knocking down a fadeaway jumper over center Jericho Sims.
Then, back on defense, Stevens quickly rotated off Sims to stonewall Mitchell Robinson, who was rolling to the cup intending to finish above the cylinder.
The former Cavalier didn't stop there, crashing the glass -- another area he adds value -- on a missed three by Dalano Banton, resulting in him earning two points via goaltend.
He finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, including three to extend possessions, in 27 minutes off the bench.
Stevens is doing more than showcasing why he deserves a roster spot; he's maximizing his opportunity to prove how he can help Boston, bringing energy, grit, defensive versatility -- Joe Mazzulla's even utilized him as a small-ball center -- and generating second chances.
He's putting together a compelling case for why he should do more than make the team and mostly sit on the bench unless it's emptied at the end of games.
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