What Celtics says about how Torrey Craig fits the team

Celtics

Joe Mazzulla called Craig a high -level defender who has shot the ball well in recent years.

Celtics added a wing at the trading deadline and signed 34-year-old Torrey Craig, who recently played small ahead for Chicago Bulls.

The 6-foot-5, 221 pounds forward has shot at least 39 percent from 3-point reach in the last three seasons. Celtics will be the sixth different NBA franchise that Craig has played for after starting his career abroad. He played in the NBA final in 2021 as a member of Phoenix Suns. Craig had started the year with Phoenix’s final opponent, Milwaukee Bucks.

“Just experience, been on good teams,” Mazzulla said. “High -level defender plays with a lot of energy. Shot the ball well over the past three years, so it’s another piece that we could have at both ends of the floor. “

Craig has not played since December 30th. He has been dealing with a sprained ankle. Craig said he is doing well and hopes to return to action soon. Mazzulla said that Craig’s experience and versatility should help ease the transition.

“He is versatile enough for where it can be seamless from a tactical point of view that obviously understands the language and the situational things that come up, but just, you know, patience,” Mazzulla said. “Give him a chance to learn the language, learn things. But at the same time he has been playing for a long time, so he fits right in and helps us at any time. “

Celtic’s president of basketball operations Brad Stevens called the time that led to the trade deadline “boring.” They knew they would hold this team together for another shot on the title. Celtics got some luxury tax relief by shopping Jaden jumps to Rockets. Then they brought Craig on.

“Obviously, the front office is trying to make some traits to put us in a good position, so I trust it,” Brown said.

In addition to just his shooting and ability to place the floor, the Craig Defenses brings persistence and versatility, Jayson Tatum said.

“A veteran presence, guy who can adapt to any group, can probably play by guys, space for the floor,” Tatum said. “He brings a set of toughness capable of protecting one through the four, five or whatever. Then just another guy that we can add to our group and be versatile at both ends of the floor.

After Craig was released by Chicago, he and his agent saw which teams would be the best fit for him. He said Celtics’ competitive character and players Boston have been part of the reason he thought it was the right fit.

“They are a deep team. Super talented. Velcoached, well disciplined, ”said Craig. “They play the right way. They know what it takes to win, play defense and play together and have each other’s back. You can just see it, the team chemistry and let each other the opportunity to feed each other and play together. I think that’s why they’ve been so dominant over the past few years. “

Khari A. Thompson

Sports reporter

Khari Thompson covers professional sports for Boston.com. Before joining the team in 2022, Khari College covered Football for Clarion Ledger in Jackson, Miss.