NBA Rosters had to be finalized by Monday, October 24th at 5 pm. The Boston Celtics were one team faced with a big decision concerning their final roster spot. Would it be the sharpshooter R.J. Hunter or the athletic wingman James Young?
The C’s were looking to acquire a draft pick for either Young or Hunter but they had not reached a deal with anyone as Monday arrived. It appears they made a decision and unfortunately for R.J. Hunter, he was waived on his birthday.
The Celtics made the news official on their twitter page.
The Boston Celtics have waived guard R.J. Hunter.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 24, 2016
James Young, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, and head coach Brad Stevens spoke to Celtics.com about making the roster.
Young discovered Monday morning that his tireless hard work had work paid off. When he arrived at the Celtics’ practice facility in Waltham, Mass., he learned, to his relief, that he had earned Boston’s 15th and final roster spot for the 2016-17 season.
“It’s a blessing to be a part of this organization again,” Young told the media Monday afternoon. “I’m really happy, so I’m just going [to continue] to come here every day to work hard.”
Brad Stevens said Young’s preseason play “was by far the best six weeks that he’s had since he’s been here.”
“I think he’s trending in a good direction,” said the coach. “The biggest thing at that age is figuring out what you do best and doing it every day. I’ve seen a lot more consistency and a really, really good approach.”
Added president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, “He had to come out and win a spot with some good competition, and he did. He just needs to keep doing what he’s been doing. He’s had a good six weeks of consistent play, hard work, and professionalism, and that’s what he needs to continue to do.”
