“They’re Not in a Hurry”: Boston Celtics Likely to Retain New Guard for Now, According to Latest Insider Report

The Boston Celtics are facing one of their most intriguing roster junctures in recent years. After a dominant season that saw them capture an NBA title and bolster their reputation as one of the league’s elite franchises, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens and his front office find themselves balancing continuity with calculated changes.

Among the more recent developments is the addition of a new guard to the roster — a player who, while not initially expected to be a core piece of the Celtics’ long-term puzzle, may end up staying around longer than some had anticipated.

According to a report from a prominent NBA insider, the Celtics are “not in a hurry” to move the recently acquired guard and are instead content to let things play out over time. That mindset reflects the broader philosophy in Boston right now: evaluate, stabilize, and remain dominant.

But who is this guard, and what does this slow-burn approach suggest about the Celtics’ immediate future?

A Quiet Acquisition That’s Raising Eyebrows

The guard in question arrived in Boston during a relatively low-profile transaction earlier this offseason — the kind of under-the-radar move that might go unnoticed on teams with less championship pedigree. But in Boston, every move gets magnified.

Whether it was through trade, free agency, or a developmental pipeline, the Celtics’ new backcourt addition was originally seen as an insurance policy — a depth piece brought in to support a unit led by Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. However, practices, scrimmages, and early training camp reports suggest the coaching staff sees more in this player than originally assumed.

As ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently shared during an appearance on The Hoop Collective, “There’s a sense within the Celtics that they might already have what they need in-house. They’re not in a hurry to make a move involving that new guard. They want to see how this plays out.”

Why the Celtics Are Pumping the Brakes on Trade Talk

The modern NBA landscape demands urgency. Star movement, media narratives, and fan expectations often force front offices to act quickly, sometimes prematurely. But Boston, fresh off hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy, has earned the luxury of time.

Several reasons explain why the Celtics are in no rush to deal their new guard:

1. Familiarity Breeds Success – Integrating new players during the offseason allows the team to evaluate their fit during low-stakes scenarios like preseason games and training camp. The Celtics want to assess chemistry before making long-term decisions.

2. Injury Insurance – With Malcolm Brogdon gone and Marcus Smart no longer around, Boston’s guard depth isn’t as robust as it was two seasons ago. Retaining every healthy and capable guard could be vital across an 82-game grind.

3. Value Building – Holding on to a guard who performs well in limited minutes could boost his trade value if the front office decides to explore deals before the February trade deadline.

4. Team Culture and Buy-In – Brad Stevens has prioritized character and professionalism in roster construction. If the new guard is thriving in the Celtics’ winning culture and has bought in completely, it strengthens the case for a longer trial period.

Coach Joe Mazzulla’s Philosophy Plays a Role

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, still just 36 years old, is as process-oriented as they come. His emphasis on development, trust, and role clarity means even low-profile players can earn meaningful minutes — provided they understand their assignment and execute it well.

Mazzulla has already seen multiple players go from role players to critical contributors — think Sam Hauser’s leap in shooting impact or Payton Pritchard’s gritty minutes. Now, this new guard could be next.

“The way we look at every player in camp is based on how they help us win,” Mazzulla said during a recent media session. “Some guys get more hype, sure, but our staff evaluates effort, attitude, and consistency.”

Who the Guard Could Be — and Why He’s Valuable

While the team has remained tight-lipped about naming the guard in insider reports, speculation points toward someone like Dalano Banton, JD Davison, or even two-way signee DJ Steward. Each of these players brings something different:

• Dalano Banton – A 6’9” combo guard with length and defensive versatility. Banton has shown flashes with the Raptors and could be the latest Celtics project under Stevens’ guidance.

• JD Davison – Boston’s second-round pick in 2022, Davison has steadily grown in the G League. His athleticism and pick-and-roll prowess could intrigue Boston’s bench unit.

• DJ Steward – An undrafted Duke product, Steward has shot well in summer league and offers microwave scoring potential, though still raw.

All three have youth, upside, and team-friendly contracts — exactly the kind of players contenders love to cultivate.

Potential Fit With the Core

For any of these guards to stick, they’ll need to mesh with the Celtics’ core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Holiday.

So far, there are positive signs.

According to team insiders, the new guard has drawn praise in workouts for his energy, willingness to listen, and ability to play both ends of the floor. Veteran teammates have responded well to his presence, with one assistant coach noting: “He’s not trying to do too much — just make the right play. That’s what we need.”

That mentality has served Boston well across this current era. They don’t need stars in every position. They need competence, humility, and consistency — traits this new addition seems to possess.

What’s the Endgame Here?

By waiting and evaluating, Boston puts itself in the driver’s seat. If the guard blossoms into a reliable contributor, it’s a huge win. If not, he becomes a trade asset or depth piece without hurting the team’s title chances.

There’s also the financial angle. The Celtics are navigating a challenging cap situation, with multiple stars on long-term, high-cost contracts. Keeping inexpensive but effective role players becomes essential. Letting this new guard grow into his role aligns with Boston’s strategic priorities.

In a league where impulsive moves often backfire, Boston’s patience looks more like prudence than passivity.

Fan Reactions and Media Take

Reactions across Celtics Nation have been mixed — though mostly positive. Some fans are calling for an aggressive move to add another proven scorer, while others are intrigued by what the team already has.

“I’d rather keep building with what’s working,” said one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “This kid might be better than we think.”

Local media, including The Boston Globe and NBC Sports Boston, have highlighted the internal development trend the Celtics have leaned on over recent seasons, reinforcing that this situation is par for the course in the Stevens era.

The Boston Celtics aren’t standing still — they’re standing firm.

With a championship roster in place, the luxury to evaluate, develop, and deploy players on their own terms is one few teams enjoy. This new guard, whoever he ultimately becomes in the team’s system, has earned the right to prove his worth in a green-and-white uniform — for now.

As the insider put it best: “They’re not in a hurry.”

And maybe that’s the smartest move they can make.