Lamar Stevens and Dalano Banton made their Celtics debuts during Monday night’s 126-107 blowout victory over the Washington Wizards.
Stevens finished with five points and two rebounds (both offensive) in his five minutes of work, and Banton finished with two points, two boards (also both offensive), and an assist.
“It felt good to get out there,” Stevens said Monday while dressed in a Viking Halloween costume. “All opportunity is a good opportunity.”
Both Stevens and Banton bring unique sizes to their position.
Banton is listed as a point guard and stands at 6-foot-9 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. With his size and speed, the 23-year-old brought some nice playmaking and defensive versatility to the floor in the preseason.
Stevens is listed as a wing but played some center in the preseason, is listed at 6-foot-6, and brings grit, toughness, and versatility to his game.
As Joe Mazzulla tries to work out his second unit, Stevens and Banton are focused on impacting the team and winning in any way they can.
“Just finding ways to impact the game,” Banton said. “You know, being a dog.”
“Doing what I do best and just embracing what everyone brings to the table,” Stevens said. “Just really honing in on that skill you might be able to bring that can impact winning or impact the team, so just staying ready.”
Both Stevens and Banton possess the traits Mazzulla looks for from his team with their intensity and toughness, and if the bench unit continues to struggle, it could lead to more opportunities for them down the line. But for now, they are focused on doing what they can do to win each individual day.
“He [Mazzulla] emphasizes the whole roster a lot from top to bottom. Every day it’s a grind man,” Banton said. “Whether you're in the rotation or not in the rotation, it’s every day to be better, every day to win the day and just not get tired, not get bored with the process.
“With the team we have, we have a lot of talent. It’s going to rely on guys from the second unit, and even from the third unit, guys at the end of the bench to come on to the court when they’re called on to be at their best,” the former Toronto Raptor added.
Related
