The Boston Celtics are staring down an unfamiliar challenge as the new NBA season looms. After trading Georges Niang and signing Chris Boucher, the team still has an open roster spot. Recent reports suggest the Celtics might opt to leave it vacant to start the season, a strategy they’ve employed in recent years. But this isn’t just another season. With Jayson Tatum sidelined—along with four of last year’s top eight players—Boston’s championship aspirations are on ice. The 2025-26 campaign is shaping up to be a developmental year, focused on nurturing young talent and identifying pieces for a 2027 resurgence.
Enter Dalano Banton, a 6’9” point guard who could be the low-risk, high-reward answer to Boston’s current roster conundrum.
Who remembers when Dalano Banton dropped 20 in the fourth quarter against the Pelicans?
He balled out so hard he got Tom Haberstroh to coin him as the first “basketball closer”
75 days. pic.twitter.com/S2QVybfXjL
— Blazers Lead (@BlazersLead) August 7, 2025
Banton is no stranger to the Celtics. During their 2023-24 championship run, he appeared in 24 games, averaging a modest 2.3 points in limited minutes before being traded to the Portland Trail Blazers at the deadline. In Portland, a team in full rebuild mode, Banton’s role expanded significantly. He seized the opportunity, averaging 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 29.2 minutes per game over 30 contests. Even in a reduced role last season, he posted 8.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 2 rebounds across 67 games, showcasing flashes of potential that remain largely untapped.
At 25, Banton is a raw talent with room to grow. His size and versatility as a downhill scorer make him an intriguing fit for a Celtics bench that ranked among the league’s worst scoring units last season. While his shooting—40.2% from the field and 30.4% from three—remains a work in progress, Boston’s need for dynamic playmakers outweighs their reliance on another pure shooter. The Celtics already boast sharpshooters like Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser; what they lack is a spark off the bench, and Banton could provide it.
Banton’s free agency has been quiet, likely due to his inconsistent shooting and unpolished skill set. But for a team like Boston, facing a transitional season, his current market value is a golden opportunity. The Celtics have a proven track record of developing raw talents into key contributors. Pritchard, Hauser, and Luke Kornet are prime examples of players who refined their games under Boston’s coaching staff, evolving into reliable rotation pieces. Banton, with his unique blend of size, speed, and aggression, could be next in line.
Unlike his first stint with the Celtics, when minutes were scarce on a title-contending roster, this season offers Banton a chance to shine. Boston’s depleted lineup means more playing time for young players, and Banton’s ability to attack the rim could inject energy into a bench unit desperate for scoring punch. His playmaking and defensive potential, though underdeveloped, are areas where Boston’s player development system excels. With focused coaching, Banton could sharpen his decision-making and become a more versatile defender, adding value beyond his scoring.
The Celtics’ immediate future hinges on finding players who can bridge the gap to 2027, when Tatum is expected to return and Boston can retool for another title run. Signing Banton is a no-brainer: his familiarity with the organization, combined with his upside and minimal cost, makes him an ideal candidate for the open roster spot. Unlike high-profile targets like Ben Simmons or Charles Bassey, who come with baggage or higher expectations, Banton offers a clean slate and a hunger to prove himself.
Boston’s decision to leave a roster spot open might reflect their cautious approach, but passing on Banton would be a missed opportunity. His 16.7 points per game in Portland weren’t a fluke—they were a glimpse of what he can do with consistent minutes. At worst, Banton provides depth and energy off the bench. At best, he develops into a legitimate rotation player who can contribute when the Celtics return to contention.
The Celtics are at a crossroads. Without Tatum and key pieces from their championship core, this season is about experimentation and growth. Dalano Banton, a castoff with something to prove, could be the spark Boston needs to navigate this challenging year. His size, scoring instincts, and untapped potential make him a perfect fit for a team in transition. By signing Banton, the Celtics can take a low-risk gamble on a player who might just surprise everyone—and help lay the foundation for their next title chase.