The Boston Celtics’ championship glow from last season is starting to dim as the reality of a chaotic offseason sets in. A staggering 11 players have departed the team through trades or free agency, with most quickly finding new homes across the NBA. However, one surprising name remains without a contract: small forward Torrey Craig, the last ex-Celtic still searching for a destination as the 2025-26 season looms. While Al Horford, another former Celtic, lingered in free agency longer than expected before signing a one-year deal with a 2026-27 player option with the Golden State Warriors, Craig’s unemployment underscores a glaring oversight by the Celtics’ front office—a misstep that could haunt them as they aim to defend their title.
Last season, Craig was a vital cog in a Celtics bench that, while not particularly deep, thrived on camaraderie and precision. In 17 games, he averaged a modest 11.8 minutes and 2.7 points per game, contributing six steals and 11 blocks. These numbers don’t scream superstar, but they reflect exactly what was asked of him: tenacious defense, executing set plays on offense, and bringing infectious energy to the sidelines. Craig wasn’t just a role player—he was the embodiment of the “glue guy” every championship team needs, providing the spark and toughness that kept Boston’s stars motivated and engaged.
“Veteran presence — a guy that can adapt to the group, play off of guys, space the floor, set a toughness, be able to guard,” Jayson Tatum said after Craig’s signing on Feb. 8, as reported by Noa Dalzell. “Just another guy that can add to our group and be versatile on both ends of the floor.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla echoed this sentiment shortly after, praising Craig’s grit and resilience. “He’s been a player for a long time who’s played through mistakes, and he is a high-energy, high physical guy,” Mazzulla said on Feb. 12. Craig’s ability to fit seamlessly into Boston’s system while keeping the locker room buzzing with energy was no small feat, and his departure leaves a void that may prove difficult to fill.
The Celtics’ offseason exodus is nothing short of shocking. Losing 11 players, including a dependable veteran like Craig, raises questions about the team’s strategy for maintaining the chemistry that fueled their championship run. While stars like Tatum and Jaylen Brown remain, the departure of key role players threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of talent and intangibles that defined last season’s success. Craig’s absence, in particular, feels like a blunder—an undervalued contributor who could have been retained to preserve the team’s edge.
The importance of players like Craig cannot be overstated. Championship teams don’t just rely on star power; they need personalities who bring energy, adaptability, and a willingness to do the dirty work. Craig checked every box, and his exit leaves Boston scrambling to find a replacement who can replicate his unique blend of hustle and heart.
Replacing Craig’s impact won’t be easy, but the Celtics have options. The team needs a player who can match his defensive intensity, contribute on offense without demanding the ball, and keep the locker room’s energy high. Two names stand out as potential fits: RJ Luis Jr. and Josh Minott. At 6’7” and 6’8”, respectively, both players have the size and versatility to fill Craig’s role as a rangy, two-way bench player. Luis, known for his athleticism, could bring a spark to Boston’s second unit, while Minott’s defensive prowess and high motor make him a natural candidate to emulate Craig’s hustle.
The Celtics’ front office must prioritize finding a player who not only fits the stat sheet but also the team’s culture. As Tatum noted, versatility and toughness are non-negotiable, and any new addition will need to buy into Boston’s system while injecting fresh energy into the roster.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, Celtics fans are left wondering just how noticeable Craig’s absence will be. His contributions went beyond the box score, and the team’s failure to retain him—or secure a comparable replacement—could prove costly in their quest to repeat as champions. While the roster still boasts elite talent, the loss of a player who embodied the spirit of last season’s success is a blow that can’t be ignored.
For now, Craig remains the lone ex-Celtic without a new home, a stark reminder of the front office’s gamble. Whether his employment status changes before the season tips off or the Celtics find a way to fill the gap he’s left behind, one thing is clear: Boston’s path to another title just got a lot tougher.