On August 10, 2025, the Boston Celtics made a surprising move, waiving 25-year-old forward Miles Norris after his rookie season, as announced on their official channels. Despite a standout performance in the G League with the Maine Celtics, where he averaged 16.4 points and 39.5% from three, Norris’ limited NBA action—three games, 2.3 points, and a 22.2% field goal percentage—left him on the roster bubble. The Celtics are now betting on undrafted prospect RJ Luis, whose potential shone at St. John’s, per Bobby Manning of Celtics on CLNS. As Boston recalibrates after a 61-21 season and a second-round playoff exit in 2025, Norris’ departure raises questions about his future and the team’s strategy. Let’s dive into this intriguing NBA story, perfect for sparking debate among basketball fans on Facebook!
Miles Norris’ brief stint with the Boston Celtics and his release highlight the cutthroat nature of NBA roster decisions, especially for a championship-contending team. Below, we analyze Norris’ performance, the Celtics’ decision to waive him, their pivot to RJ Luis, and what lies ahead for both the player and the franchise.
Miles Norris’ Rookie Season: A Tale of Two Leagues
Miles Norris, a 25-year-old forward from San Diego, entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent, signing a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics for the 2024-25 season. In his rookie year, he appeared in just three NBA games, averaging 2.3 points and 3.0 rebounds while struggling with efficiency (22.2% FG, 28.6% 3PT). His highlight came on April 9, 2025, against the Orlando Magic, where he scored his first NBA points with a pair of threes, as celebrated by the Maine Celtics social media. However, Norris’ true impact was in the G League with the Maine Celtics, where he shone in 30 games (27 starts), averaging 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 steals, with 45.7% field goal and 39.5% three-point shooting. A standout performance on February 5, 2025, saw him drop 26 points on 10/16 shooting in a 22-point win over the Iowa Wolves, per NBA G League. Norris’ G League success showcased his scoring, versatility, and shooting, making his release a surprise to analysts like Bobby Manning.
The Celtics’ Decision: Why Waive Norris?
The Celtics’ decision to waive Norris on August 10, 2025, reflects their high-stakes roster management as defending champions. Coming off a 61-21 season and the 2024 NBA title, Boston aimed to maintain their Eastern Conference dominance but stumbled in the 2025 playoffs, losing to Jalen Brunson’s New York Knicks in six games in the second round. With a stacked roster featuring Jayson Tatum (27.8 PPG), Jaylen Brown (23.4 PPG), and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics prioritized depth and upside in their two-way and end-of-roster spots. Norris’ limited NBA minutes—due to Boston’s deep rotation—and inconsistent shooting in those games likely factored into the decision. According to Spotrac, the Celtics’ $190 million payroll for 2025-26, including Tatum’s $34.8 million and Brown’s $31.9 million, leaves little room for developmental projects unless they offer immediate impact or high potential. Norris’ strong G League stats weren’t enough to secure his spot over emerging prospects, signaling Boston’s focus on refining their championship core.
The Pivot to RJ Luis: A Bet on Upside
The Celtics are now banking on 23-year-old RJ Luis, an undrafted guard/forward from St. John’s, to fill the two-way slot vacated by Norris, per Bobby Manning. Luis flashed promise in college, averaging 11.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in his sophomore year, but a lackluster NBA Combine left him undrafted in 2025. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and scoring instincts make him a high-upside gamble for Boston, who see him as a more well-rounded prospect than Norris. Manning noted Luis’ “flashes of upside” at St. John’s, suggesting he could develop into a 3-and-D wing, a valuable archetype for a contender. However, at 23, Luis is younger but less proven than Norris, whose G League production was immediate. The Celtics’ choice reflects a strategic shift toward youth and potential, aiming to mold Luis into a contributor alongside their established stars, but it carries risks given his untested professional resume.
What’s Next for Miles Norris?
Norris’ release doesn’t spell the end of his NBA dreams. At 25, his G League performance—particularly his 39.5% three-point shooting and defensive hustle—makes him an attractive candidate for other teams seeking wing depth. Teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, where Norris played in the G League, or rebuilding squads like the Washington Wizards or Charlotte Hornets could offer him a two-way deal or training camp invite. His 26-point outburst against the Iowa Wolves, alongside DJ Steward, showcased his ability to score efficiently and contribute on both ends, per NBA G League. Alternatively, Norris could return to the G League to further polish his game, targeting a breakout season to earn another NBA shot. Overseas leagues in Europe or Australia are also options, but given his recent production, staying in the G League to remain on NBA radars seems likely. Norris’ journey underscores the challenges undrafted players face in cracking deep rosters like Boston’s.
The Celtics’ Bigger Picture: Chasing Another Title
For the Celtics, waiving Norris and signing Luis aligns with their goal of sustaining a championship window. After their 2024 title, Boston’s 2025 playoff loss exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in bench scoring and perimeter defense against dynamic guards like Brunson. With $190 million committed to their core, per Spotrac, the Celtics are leveraging two-way contracts to develop cost-effective talent. Luis’ athleticism could address defensive needs, but Boston must also navigate a tougher Eastern Conference, with the Knicks, 76ers, and Bucks improving. The decision to prioritize Luis over Norris reflects confidence in their scouting and development system, which produced stars like Payton Pritchard. However, if Luis fails to deliver, the loss of Norris’ proven G League production could sting, especially if he thrives elsewhere. Boston’s 2025-26 season will hinge on their stars and strategic roster tweaks, with Luis as a wildcard.
Miles Norris’ departure from the Boston Celtics after a promising G League season is a reminder of the NBA’s relentless competition for roster spots. His 16.4 points and 39.5% three-point shooting in the G League showcased his potential, yet the Celtics’ bet on RJ Luis signals a focus on youth and upside as they chase another title. Norris’ journey is far from over, with opportunities awaiting in the NBA or beyond, while Boston’s gamble on Luis could shape their bench. NBA fans, what’s your take? Did the Celtics make the right call cutting Norris, or should they have kept the G League star? Where do you see Norris landing next?