Several players left the Boston Celtics throughout the summer, either via trade or free agency, with most departing names finding new homes without an issue. Al Horford was one ex-Celtic who stayed in free agency longer than expected, but his employment status flipped earlier this month when he signed a one-year contract (including a 2026-27 player option) with the Golden State Warriors.
Having said that, small forward Torrey Craig is now the only ex-Celtic without a new destination for the 2025-26 NBA season. The shift from last season to this upcoming one has been widespread, affecting even some of the glue guys who'd normally have no issues finding work.
Craig was a player who made up a Celtics bench last season that was not very deep, but definitely had camaraderie and played their roles precisely. Craig’s role individually was ultimately to be active on the defensive end, run set plays on offense, and provide the critical bench engagement and reactions that fans see with the better teams in the league.
He wasn't Boston's best player, but his absence will be felt next season.
How Celtics Can Replace Torrey Craig's Impact
In 17 games played last season with the Celtics, Craig averaged 11.8 minutes and 2.7 points per game, totaling six steals and 11 blocks. This is about all you can ask of a bench player tasked with the roles he had.
Keeping the rest of the Celtics' roster, especially the bigger names, excited about new personalities and dynamics with the team was perhaps Craig's most important role, though. It has been an undervalued point for teams trying to repeat in sports to acquire new personalities in whatever way you can get them, while also adding a player that you feel doesn't trend away from the roster you have.
“Veteran presence — a guy that can adapt to the group, play off of guys, space the floor, set a toughness, be able to guard," Tatum said after the Craig signing back on Feb. 8 (h/t @NoaDalzell). "Just another guy that can add to our group and be versatile on both ends of the floor."
It certainly feels like one can look back on this and confirm that Craig did, in fact, fit that description. Even head coach Joe Mazzulla couldn't help but admit how he positively views the veteran forward just a few days after the signing.
"He’s been a player for a long time who’s played through mistakes, and he is a high-energy, high physical guy," Mazzula said on Feb. 12.
For candidates to fit the energetic and versatile role that the Celtics clearly value as part of achieving title success shortly after, someone like RJ Luis Jr. or Josh Minott stands out. With Luis standing 6'7" and Minott at 6'8", both fit the bill as rangy bench players who can contribute on both ends and potentially help keep Boston's energy high.
Until then, it feels fitting to appreciate and recognize the mix of talent and energy the Celtics have relied on to achieve greater success. The team arguably could have made more changes to maintain a fresh energy for players coming into the facility this fall, but what's done is done.
In the meantime, Celtics fans will continue wondering how noticeable Craig's absence will be this season, as well as if his employment status will flip before the action begins.