Training Camp Roster Should be Set Heading Into Media Day

 The Celtics should have their roster set at the maximum allowed 20 players going into media day.   The Celtics have announced that they waived John Lucas III and Malcolm Thomas, both of whom were obtained in the Bogans to Cleveland trade.   It wasn't a surprise as the roster was already full when that deal was made.



 Two other players obtained in the trade, Erik Murphy and Dwight Powell are expected to attend camp with the Celtics.   Erik Murphy is a 6'10" second year power forward. He averaged 0.3 points, 0.3 rebounds, 0.2 blocks in 2.6 minutes per game over 26 games for the Bulls in his rookie season. He is also a lifelong Celtics fans and thrilled to be invited to their training camp. Powell was the 45th pick in the second round of this year's draft. He is 6'11" and 240 lbs and was drafted as a senior out of Stanford. NBAdraft.net describes him as a mobile and highly coordinated big man with an all-purpose skill set. He is described as having high character with more potential than the average senior. He might be a nice addition if he can play center as well as power forward.

By waiving the Lucas and Thomas, the Celtics opened up a spot to sign Evan Turner before tomorrow's training camp begins. They announced today that the signing is finally official.  The deal is for 2 years at the taxpayer midlevel exception.  We should still see a move or two before camp starts as the Celtics will still have more than 15 guaranteed contracts heading into the season, even if all the camp invites and non guaranteed contracts are waived. Like the old saying, something's gotta give.

The Celtics previously waived Chris Johnson in order to make the trade. I was really sorry to see Chris go. I would have loved to see him have another season to show what he can do. He is a hard worker and always plays hard whether he is on the court for 2 minutes or 20 minutes. Although I'm sad that he won't be a Celtic, I'm happy to see that Philadelphia has claimed him off waivers. I'll be cheering for him.

Oh, and the Cavs have already traded Keith Bogans.  Apparently, the Sixers are in the market for former Celtics, having picked up Chris Johnson and then trading for Keith Bogans.  The Sixers get Bogans and a 2018 second round pick while the Cavs get the Sixers' protected 2015 second round pick and a $5.3 million trade exception.  

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