With preseason action in the books and Opening Night just days away, the Boston Celtics made a few roster moves.
In order to finish Boston’s roster, the Celtics released former Duke star guard DJ Steward, whom the team signed to a training camp deal in August.
Steward, 22, was waived on Friday by the Celtics alongside Weneyn Gabriel, James Banks III and Reginald Kissoonlal, according to NBA.com transactions. That places Steward right back in the free agency market after a short-lived stint with the Celtics throughout their 4-1 run in the preseason.
With guards Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Payton Pritchard, Jordan Walsh and Oshae Brissett ahead of Steward, there wasn’t much room to find a role in Boston’s roster. Steward opportunities throughout the preseason were limited to just 12 total minutes in three games, in which he averaged just four points.
That limited Steward’s window to impress during the auditions.
However, with Boston already having a guard-heavy roster, severing ties from the Celtics makes the most sense for both sides, especially for Steward.
Steward averaged 13.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in 24 games played with the Blue Devils before being undrafted in 2021. Last season, Steward also appeared in 28 games with the G-League Stockton Kings.
