Even after trading Georges Niang and signing Chris Boucher, the Boston Celtics still have an open roster spot. In recent weeks, Ben Simmons and Charles Bassey were both seen as potential candidates to fill that last slot.
However, it was reported last week that the Celtics plan on leaving a spot open to begin the season. This isn’t shocking news, considering Boston had done just this for the majority of the past few seasons.
But this upcoming campaign is different. The Celtics are down four of their top eight players from last year, five if you include Jayson Tatum. This upcoming season is a lost cause without Tatum and should be about developing the young guys and figuring out which players can help you in 2027.
That is why they should use their last roster spot to give Dalano Banton a shot and see if he can become an impactful player for the Celtics.
Celtics Should Sign Dalano Banton
Dalano Banton currently remains unsigned after spending the last year and a half with the Portland Trail Blazers. Banton briefly played with the Celtics during their 2023-2024 championship run, averaging 2.3 points in 24 games before being traded to the Trail Blazers at the trade deadline.
With the Blazers in tank mode, Banton was given an increase in his minutes. In 30 games, Banton posted 16.7 points and 4.8 rebounds, averaging 29.2 minutes per game. Last year, Banton posted 8.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 2 rebounds in 67 games, averaging 16.3 minutes per game.
The 6’9” point guard has received minimal interest in free agency, with his inability to improve his shooting numbers being one of the main reasons. Banton is a career 40.2% shooter from the field and 30.4% from three.
Who remembers when Dalano Banton dropped 20 in the fourth quarter against the Pelicans?
— Blazers Lead (@BlazersLead) August 7, 2025
He balled out so hard he got Tom Haberstroh to coin him as the first "basketball closer"
75 days. pic.twitter.com/S2QVybfXjL
Because Banton’s value is so low, the Celtics must seize this opportunity and sign him. The Celtics have plenty of good shooters and need players who can do more than just shoot. Banton’s biggest strength is being a down-hill scorer, and Boston's bench could use his aggressive scoring, as they were one of the worst scoring units in the league last season.
Unlike his first stint with the Celtics, they aren’t contending this year, meaning they can offer him playing time. Banton, only 25, still has time to refine his game, and the Celtics are the perfect team to do it on.
They’ve successfully developed Payton Prichard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet, all of whom have become valuable contributors to the team. They can do the same with Banton by working on his playmaking and defending.
The Celtics need to find players who can help the team once Tatum returns. Giving Banton a shot and seeing what he can provide is a low-risk move they must make.