With seven games left in the season, the Boston Celtics still have one remaining roster spot. Having an open roster spot this late into the season isn’t uncommon and there are some financial benefits to waiting until the end of the season. However, considering how late in the season it is, the Celtics will likely convert one of their two-way players to a standard contract before the regular season ends. The Celtics have until April 14th, the last day of the regular season to make this roster decision.
Something to watch as #Celtics’ season winds down — their 15th roster spot remains open. At this point, a rest of season contract would cost less than $100K (plus tax of course), but that goes down to ~$25K if you wait until the final day in APR. I like Drew Peterson’s chances.
— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) March 22, 2025
Notably, two-way players are ineligible for the playoffs while the two-way player who the Celtics convert won’t be part of their playoff rotation additional depth is always needed. Last season the Celtics converted Neemias Queta to a standard contract shortly before the playoffs. Recently signed wing Miles Norris has only played in one game making him an unlikely candidate for the Celtics’ final roster spot. This leaves Drew Peterson and JD Davison as the main candidates for Boston’s open roster spot. Let’s dive into their chances of earning a standard contract.
Time is Ticking for the Celtics to Make Key Roster Decision
Drew Peterson
Many people see Peterson as the most likely candidate for the Celtics’ open roster spot. The 6-foot-9 wing is a natural fit in the Celtics’ system due to his versatile skill set and shooting. While Peterson wouldn’t play much in the playoffs bolstering wing depth is never a bad thing. This season, Peterson has appeared in 20 games (one start) with Boston averaging 2.1 points, and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 39.1 percent from three. Peterson’s rebounding ability and elite positional size allow him to make an impact beyond shooting. Considering how well he fits in the Celtics’ system and that he’s played in more games than fellow two-way player JD Davison, Peterson seems to have a solid chance of earning the Celtics’ final roster spot.
JD Davison
Davison has appeared in fewer games (12) than Peterson with Boston. Nevertheless, his stellar G League play gives him a strong chance to earn the last roster spot. Davison has been one of the best players in the G League averaging 25.6 points and 7.9 assists. Earlier this year, he became the Maine Celtics’ all-time leading scorer, Boston may reward Davison for his commitment to the organization. Davison has done everything possible in the G League to earn a standard deal. Additionally, after trading Jaden Springer the Celtics could eye more guard depth when evaluating this final roster spot.
Converting Davison’s contract would give the Celtics some guard insurance heading into the playoffs. Davison’s finishing and playmaking abilities make him an intriguing depth piece. Similarly, the need for more wing depth isn’t as clear given Baylor Scheierman‘s emergence and the signing of Torrey Craig on the buyout market. Notably, seven of Davison’s 12 games played with Boston have come after the All-Star break which is an encouraging sign. While some believe Peterson is the favorite for the roster opening, JD’s chances can’t be counted out and he could easily earn the spot. Ultimately, it will be interesting to see if Davison or Peterson will earn the final roster spot.
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