The 15th roster spot and the last three cuts to the D-League

[LooseCannon]

Just as a reminder, teams can ask that their last three cuts from training camp be assigned to their D-League affiliate.  As an additional reminder, the Celtics do not own the rights to any of these players and any other team can sign them to an NBA contract.

Right now, the Celtics have 13 guaranteed contracts and up to two roster spots open for Greg Stiemsma, Gilbert Brown, Jamal Sampson, and Michael Sweetney.  Stiemsma seems a likely choice for the 14th spot since the team needs center depth.

The other three?  Well, if they aren't going to play immediately, then Ainge might want to save money and send them to the D-League, which works so long as no other team wants them.  Given the lack of summer league and the short pre-season, they (and by they, I really mean Gilbert Brown) have had less of a chance to wow another team.

Three players.  Three spots in the D-League.  It fits.  With the compressed schedule, teams will have fewer practices.  If you like Gilbert Brown, but have doubts about his ability to contribute immediately, you might be better off signing a veteran who you can cut and have Brown getting PT in the D-League as one of your backup plans.

But what about that 15th spot?  If it's not going to one of these training camp invites, then who?  Posters here have been speculating about various free agents.  Another possibility is keeping it open if the player won't be used and seeing which players get set free by the waiver deadline.  I'll suggest another possibility:  Ainge may have his eye on a few players who might be the last cut for other teams, players he may have loved when contemplating drafting them.  Maybe Ainge can find the next Othys Jeffers.

Also, if another team decides it really likes a young player and finds itself in a squeeze for a roster spot, the Celtics may be able to acquire a veteran reserve similar to how they got Keyon Dooling, if the team received a trade exception in the Glen Davis sign and trade.

Don't focus too much on remaining free agents because that is not the only way to tweak this roster and, given the quality of free agents left and only the minimum salary to offer, probably not the best way.

[CDawg834]

I think they'll keep Stiemsma and leave the 15th spot open.  I know Doc and Danny generally like leaving a spot open early in the year for waiver/free agent pickups.  Although with Pierce hurt, they may keep Gilbert Brown for a couple weeks and then release him at a later date.

[birdman33]

Stiemsma looks decent. I still expect a trade or two clearing out some of these guys like JO, Bradley

[33_Larry Legend_33]

Blakely reported via Twitter that Sampson got cut today.

I think the C's will also cut Sweetney and Brown, but keep Stiemsma, and that will be the final roster.  Possibility of trades or another FA signing, but for the opener I think the final roster of 14 will go to battle.