After adding Luka Garza and Josh Minott earlier this summer, the Boston Celtics have just brought in Wendell Moore Jr. to fill out their training camp roster, making it three former Minnesota Timberwolves that they’ve signed this summer. Garza and Minott were in Minnesota last year, while Moore was on the Wolves two years ago.
All three players began their careers with the Timberwolves but didn’t stick with the current iteration of the roster. Now, the three former Wolves will be looking to further their NBA lives with the Celtics, though Moore will be fighting for a roster spot during training camp.
Will they break through or flame out?
How will the former Wolves do with the Celtics?
Though none of the three players ended up contributing much in Minnesota, they should have more chances to do so on this year’s depleted Celtics roster, as they won’t be the title contender they’ve been for the past few seasons.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined and guys like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford gone, there should be plenty of playing time to go around for new faces.
Of the bunch, Luka Garza could have the best chance to play big-time minutes. Porzingis, Horford, and Luke Kornet were the core of Boston’s center rotation for the last two years, but all three have departed this summer.
Now, with Neemias Queta penciled in as Boston’s starter for next season, Garza could be one of the first centers off the bench. He’ll compete with Chris Boucher for minutes, but since Boucher can play some power forward, too, Garza should see some minutes.
Minott may have more of an uphill battle for rotation minutes this year, as the wing position has plenty of young talent that Boston will likely want to take a look at.
Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh should get plenty of playing time. On top of that, Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser will likely start, and Boucher will play some four minutes, too.
However, Minott’s length, athleticism, and defensive presence should give him a shot to earn a place in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.
As for Moore, he probably won’t end up sticking with the Celtics into the regular season. He’s on a training camp deal, and his chances to make the roster are slim to none, as Boston already has most of their spots filled.
That said, Moore does have a direct pathway to join the Maine Celtics next season, Boston’s G League affiliate.