The Boston Celtics announced Tuesday that they have waived guards Dionte Christmas and Jamar Smith to cut the current roster to 16.
The Boston Celtics announced Tuesday that they have waived guards Dionte Christmas and Jamar Smith to cut the current roster to 16.
Though Smith's failure to make the opening day roster came as no surprise, Christmas entered training camp with a contract partially guaranteed for $260,000 and what seemed like an inside track on a roster spot. He impressed during summer league, spent the latter stages of the offseason learning from Jason Terry and seemed to have an attitude the Celtics liked, plus a skill set in which they saw potential.
Doc Rivers had indicated he would keep players around through this week's busy slate of games, but the Celtics might have decided to cut Christmas and Smith early so they have time to explore other opportunities before the season gets underway. Christmas has said he turned down bigger offers overseas to join the Celtics. One would think he won't be out of work for long, whether his next stop is overseas or with another NBA team. Smith should also be desirable elsewhere, at least overseas.
The Celtics now have 13 players under guaranteed contracts, plus Rob Kurz, Micah Downs and Kris Joseph, who are all operating with non-guaranteed or partially-guaranteed deals. Joseph, a second-round draft pick, would seem to have a solid hold on a spot at this stage. Downs is likely next in the pecking order if the Celtics keep the maximum 15 players, but there's a possibility the Celtics sign another veteran, especially a point guard. Though Jason Terry can handle some backup point guard responsibilities, Rivers prefers having him off the ball so he can better utilize his scoring prowess.