Despite trading Georges Niang and adding Chris Boucher, the Boston Celtics still have an open roster spot. While Ben Simmons and Charles Bassey were floated as possibilities, reports indicate Boston plans to keep the slot vacant at the start of the season a strategy they’ve often used in recent years.
This year, however, is different. With four of last season’s top eight players gone five if Jayson Tatum is counted the upcoming campaign is essentially about developing young talent and identifying pieces that could help in 2027. That’s why Dalano Banton stands out as a perfect fit.
Banton, a 6’9” point guard, remains unsigned after a year and a half with the Portland Trail Blazers. He had a brief stint with Boston during their 2023-24 championship run, averaging 2.3 points in 24 games before being dealt to Portland, where increased playing time saw him average 16.7 points and 4.8 rebounds in 30 games. Last season overall, he posted 8.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 2 rebounds in 67 appearances.
While his career shooting numbers (40.2% from the field, 30.4% from three) have limited his free-agent market, his downhill scoring could help a Celtics bench that struggled offensively last season. Unlike his previous time in Boston, he’d have a real chance at consistent minutes this year.
At just 25, Banton still has room to grow, and Boston has a track record of developing role players like Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet. Signing him would be a low-risk move that could pay off when Tatum returns and the Celtics gear up for future contention.
