Celtics add Vucevic, weigh Tatum timeline while filling roster gaps
celtics-add-vucevic-weigh-tatum-timeline-while-filling-roster-gaps
Nikola Vucevic needed just one practice to slide into the Celtics’ rotation, logging 28 minutes in Friday’s comeback win over Miami. The veteran center finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds as Boston erased a 22-point deficit.
“He prepared for everything—our language, our coverages, what we needed to do,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said, crediting both Vucevic and his new teammates for the seamless transition.
The 35-year-old, frequently tied to Boston in past trade rumors, arrived from Chicago at Thursday’s deadline. “I still feel like I have a lot left in the tank,” Vucevic said. “Having a chance to play for something big is extra motivation.”
Stevens: Tatum’s return did not drive deadline deals
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens said the possibility of Jayson Tatum rejoining the lineup “had very little impact” on Boston’s trade strategy. The Celtics focused on upgrading the frontcourt with Vucevic and trimmed salary by sending Xavier Tillman, Chris Boucher and Josh Minott elsewhere, pushing the club below the tax threshold.
“The best time for Jayson to come back is when he’s 110 percent healthy,” Stevens said. “We’re going to stick with that.”
Roster down to 11, moves underway
Boston finished the deadline with 11 players and must reach the league minimum of 14 by February 19. One vacancy was filled when two-way big man Amari Williams was promoted to a standard deal that includes a team option for next season. Stevens said the front office will also evaluate its remaining two-way players, including recently acquired guard John Tonje, to address the final two spots.
Pritchard embraces sixth-man role
Payton Pritchard came off the bench Friday after starting Boston’s first 48 games. “It benefits our team more,” the guard said, noting that his focus is on production rather than starting status. “When you get in, what do you do with your minutes?”
The Celtics’ cap positioning following Thursday’s moves—and its implications for future seasons—was detailed by Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron.
Source: HoopsRumors
