Boston, MA – The Boston Celtics have waived point guard, the team announced Thursday. This move reduces….
Boston Celtics Waive Point Guard, Adjust Roster Ahead of New Season
Boston, MA – The Boston Celtics have officially waived point guard JD Davison, the team announced Thursday afternoon. This move reduces their roster size as they continue to reshape and fine-tune ahead of training camp and the 2025-26 NBA season.
The decision came as part of a series of roster evaluations undertaken by Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens. While Davison showed flashes of promise during his brief stints with the team, the crowded Celtics backcourt and financial considerations ultimately led to his release.
Davison, originally drafted by the Celtics with the 53rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, spent most of his tenure with the team playing for the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G-League affiliate. In the G-League, he impressed with his athleticism, quick first step, and court vision. Last season, Davison averaged 15.1 points, 9.4 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game for Maine, while also posting multiple double-doubles. His playmaking ability drew praise from Maine’s coaching staff, with Head Coach Alex Barlow often highlighting his progress as a floor general and leader on the court.
However, breaking into the main Celtics rotation proved difficult. Boston’s roster boasts an elite backcourt featuring Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and recently acquired veterans, leaving minimal opportunities for a developing guard to earn consistent minutes.
Davison appeared in only a handful of games for the Celtics during the regular season, averaging under 5 minutes per contest. His role was largely confined to garbage-time appearances or emergency injury coverage. Despite his limited usage, teammates often praised his energy and competitive spirit during practices, noting that he pushed them daily with his relentless work ethic.
With his waiving, Davison becomes an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any NBA team or G-League affiliate. League insiders believe he is likely to receive strong interest from rebuilding teams looking for young guards to develop or from G-League programs eager to bolster their backcourt depth.
In an interview earlier this summer, Davison expressed gratitude for his time with Boston, stating:
“Being here these past two years has taught me so much about the game, about professionalism, about what it takes to compete at the highest level. I’m grateful for every opportunity, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
For the Celtics, this roster move provides additional flexibility as they eye possible veteran additions ahead of training camp. With championship aspirations high following their 2024 NBA Finals victory, the front office remains committed to surrounding their core stars with proven depth pieces to maintain their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics’ guard rotation remains strong even without Davison. Jrue Holiday has been a stabilizing defensive force, while Derrick White’s consistency and improved scoring have made him indispensable. Payton Pritchard, meanwhile, has developed into a reliable spark plug off the bench, capable of hitting timely threes and running the second unit efficiently. Adding to this, the recent acquisition of veteran guard Tyus Jones further tightened competition for backcourt minutes.
Boston’s coaching staff has consistently emphasized the importance of veteran leadership and playoff experience as they look to defend their title. While they acknowledge the value of young prospects like Davison, their current win-now window demands that roster spots are allocated strategically to maximize immediate impact.
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the media following Thursday’s announcement:
“JD is a tremendous young man with a great future ahead. He worked hard every day he was here, and we wish him the absolute best in his career moving forward. Decisions like these are never easy, but we have to make choices that align with our goals for the upcoming season.”
NBA analysts have pointed out that waiving Davison could also be a strategic salary move, giving Boston slight breathing room under the second apron of the new collective bargaining agreement. Such moves are crucial for teams like the Celtics, who are navigating the complexities of roster construction in an era of tightened luxury tax restrictions.
Looking ahead, Davison’s prospects remain promising. Scouts note that his combination of elite speed, vertical explosiveness, and passing instincts can translate well to a backup or third-string point guard role in the league. His development of a more consistent perimeter shot will be pivotal to his next opportunity. During his time with Maine, he showed improvements, raising his three-point shooting percentage to 35%, a positive trend that will likely influence future team evaluations.
Former Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas, who himself once overcame doubts early in his career, took to social media to encourage Davison:
“Keep your head up, young king. The journey never stops. Stay ready.”
As training camp approaches across the NBA, teams will monitor the waiver wire closely for young talent capable of filling depth roles or blossoming under the right system. For Davison, this next chapter offers a chance to build upon the lessons learned in Boston and showcase his talent on a new stage.
The Celtics, meanwhile, continue their preparations for another championship push, with eyes firmly set on sustained excellence. Their roster decisions, including Thursday’s waiver move, reflect a clear focus: maximizing every position to remain at the top of the NBA mountain.
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