That’s great news for the Celtics! Lamar Stevens joining ahead of training camp adds depth to their roster. It’ll be interesting to see how he contributes to the team.

The Boston Celtics are getting ready to start the 2023–24 season as favorites to win the title again.

The Celtics have reorganized their roster with the hopes of contending for another championship, even if they were unable to achieve their ultimate objective of reaching the NBA Finals for the second year in a row this past season. Although Lamar Stevens’ decision to join the club has added depth to the squad, Kristaps Porzingis was their major summer signing.

The first to report that former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Lamar Stevens had signed to a contract with Boston was Shams Charania of The Athletic on Friday.

The 26-year-old Stevens played for the Cavaliers over the previous three seasons after his original two-way contract was upgraded to a regular NBA contract. He was part of the three-team sign-and-trade that sent Max Strus to Cleveland this offseason, where he was dealt to the San Antonio Spurs. Stevens ended up getting released by San Antonio shortly after.

Stevens established himself as a tough defensive forward in Cleveland who could cover almost any position on the court. During the 2022–2023 season, he averaged 5.3 points per game and shot 44.8 percent from the field despite being less renowned for his offensive efforts.

Late in the winter, the Celtics were looking for ways to improve their depth, particularly on the wings. TJ Warren had been another player Boston considered, but Stevens’ defensive qualities are what made him shine with the team having an open roster space. The C’s were trying to bolster their bench with another versatile forward after Grant Williams left in free agency.

Stevens is currently on the Celtics roster, trying to establish his value before training camp begins in order to earn playing time over players like Oshae Brissett and Sam Hauser.

Boston had a 57-25 record at the end of the 2022–2023 campaign. As the team’s faces, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will start the new year as the favorites to win the championship. On October 25, the Celtics will play the New York Knicks on the road to start the new campaign.