Boston Celtics Waive G League MVP JD Davison in Surprising Roster Move
In a move that has stunned many within the organization and around the league, the Boston Celtics have announced they are waiving JD Davison, the reigning NBA G League MVP and promising young guard. The decision, confirmed by team officials late Thursday evening, comes just weeks before the start of training camp, leaving fans questioning the team’s depth strategy and future roster construction.
Davison, 22, was drafted by the Celtics with the 53rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Alabama. Since then, he spent the majority of his two seasons developing with the Maine Celtics, Boston’s G League affiliate. This past season, he took the league by storm, averaging 20.8 points, 9.1 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game en route to being named the 2024-25 NBA G League Most Valuable Player.
Despite his dominance in the G League, opportunities with the Celtics’ main roster were limited. Over two seasons, Davison appeared in just 18 total NBA games, averaging 1.6 points and 0.9 assists in sparse minutes. Many fans and analysts believed this year would finally be his breakthrough, with Boston seeking to solidify its backcourt depth behind Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. However, the franchise opted to clear his two-way slot, potentially in anticipation of other free-agent signings or training camp invitees.
Why Did Boston Waive Davison?
Team sources indicate the Celtics’ decision was rooted primarily in roster flexibility. With the recent signings of draft pick Baylor Scheierman and undrafted guard Anton Watson on Exhibit 10 deals, plus the acquisition of veteran Dalano Banton last season, Boston’s guard depth chart was becoming crowded.
Additionally, the Celtics are reportedly monitoring the market for a third-string point guard with established playoff experience to support their championship aspirations. Though Davison’s speed, vertical explosiveness, and playmaking impressed in the G League, the team may have felt his defensive lapses and developing perimeter shot left him outside immediate rotation plans.
Davison’s Reaction
Neither Davison nor his representation have released an official statement, but sources close to the young guard say he is “surprised but motivated” by the move. His focus now shifts to securing a training camp invite or two-way contract elsewhere. Given his youth, athleticism, and G League dominance, several NBA teams are expected to express interest, including franchises with rebuilding rosters in need of a developmental point guard.
Fan and Analyst Response
Social media reaction to the move has been swift and divided. Many Celtics fans lamented the decision, arguing that Davison had earned at least a chance at a full roster contract after his MVP campaign. Others defended President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, trusting that the front office is clearing space for strategic depth signings ahead of what they hope will be another Finals run.
Celtics analyst Chris Forsberg wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Tough break for JD Davison, who showed clear growth in Maine. But Boston is in win-now mode. They need every slot to maximize title chances this season.”
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted:
“Davison should not remain a free agent for long. He is one of the top developmental point guards available and a strong candidate for another two-way deal elsewhere.”
What’s Next for the Celtics?
With Davison waived, Boston now has an open two-way slot alongside big man Neemias Queta. The team could look to fill it with another guard, or potentially convert a standout training camp invitee. Some reports suggest that the Celtics may be targeting veteran depth options still available in free agency, including former Raptors guard Malachi Flynn or ex-Warrior Lester Quinones.
The Celtics’ current point guard rotation is headlined by All-Defensive guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, with Payton Pritchard as the primary reserve. Dalano Banton and rookie Baylor Scheierman could provide additional ball-handling duties in smaller lineups, while Jaden Springer remains an intriguing defensive combo guard option after being acquired from the Sixers mid-season last year.
Davison’s Development Path
JD Davison’s journey to the NBA has been defined by resilience. As a five-star recruit and Mr. Basketball in Alabama, he chose to stay in-state for college, playing one season with the Crimson Tide before declaring for the draft. Though raw in decision-making, his elite athleticism, burst, and lob-finishing ability always stood out.
In his second G League season, Davison expanded his playmaking repertoire significantly, finishing second in assists per game and improving his three-point shooting to a career-high 35%. Coaches praised his work ethic and leadership for Maine, with head coach Blaine Mueller calling him “a relentless competitor and an energizer for this team.”
Final Thoughts
While waiving Davison may appear harsh on the surface, it reflects the brutal business reality of an NBA contender’s roster construction. The Celtics are fully in championship mode, and every roster slot must be optimized for immediate contribution. Unfortunately for Davison, despite his promising growth, the timing and depth needs did not align.
Still, the door remains open for his NBA journey to continue elsewhere. Players with his athletic profile and recent G League dominance rarely remain unsigned for long. As training camps approach across the league in late September, expect JD Davison’s name to resurface, whether as a two-way signing or a preseason invitee with a chance to secure a backup role.
For now, Boston moves forward with its eyes firmly set on Banner 19, while Davison embarks on the next chapter of his professional career, seeking an opportunity to prove that his G League MVP trophy was only the beginning.
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