ATLANTA — Before the deadline, the 76ers and Celtics shocked a lot of people by making a salary dump transaction that transferred guard prospect Jaden Springer between rival teams when he was still in the middle of his rookie contract. In order to preserve roster flexibility and save some tax money, Boston secretly made a matching deal last month, trading Dalano Banton to Portland for a second-round pick that is almost certain not to be conveyed, while Springer’s arrival, with defensive promise and youth, garnered the majority of publicity and attention.
Before his Blazers took on the Hawks on Wednesday, Banton said to CLNS Media, “I wasn’t bummed.” It’s the business side of things, it’s the NBA. You must possess the perseverance to overcome obstacles in your path. We are aware of this as players, therefore there’s no reason to be unhappy. It was a fantastic organization and opportunity in Boston. Best wishes to everyone, and I appreciate their assistance in getting ready for this chance.
In a defeat to the Hawks, Banton began and delivered one of his most commanding performances as a professional while Boston was off, preparing in between games in Atlanta. In addition to his 13-for-23 shooting, five three-pointers made in 11 attempts, five rebounds, nine assists, and two steals, he scored 31 points in 37 minutes. He is averaging 15.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists in 22 games with Portland while shooting 36.2% from three and 43.2% from the field.
Numerous injuries suffered by the Blazers, including that of former Celtic Malcolm Brogdon, allowed Banton unrestricted play at point guard. a clear contributor to his impressive stats. His minutes have climbed by 20 per game between Boston and Portland; he is attempting 11.3 more shots each night and making over five three-pointers, compared to 0.7 on average during his time with the Celtics.
“He has consistently possessed talent,” Derrick White stated on Thursday. A player with a variety of ball-scoring techniques. He has the opportunity to demonstrate that to all of us. It’s encouraging to see him take risks, act assertively, and demonstrate his abilities to the world. The NBA can be challenging depending on your position, function, and opportunities. He was prepared for everything and always put forth a lot of effort.
Not all circumstances are the same. It goes without saying that we did not ask him to do that here, and it also goes without saying that, given his circumstances in Portland, they are asking him to take similar action there. Thus, all you need to do is comprehend your position and circumstances. He performed admirably for them as well as for us when he had the opportunity.
After acquiring Banton to a two-year contract last summer, the Celtics attempted to find spots, including a spot start at Philadelphia, to incorporate him in a crowded back court and forward position. He played in Summer League, arrived early in Boston to learn about the off-season, and learned how to screen more frequently while playing off-ball. Although his early preseason performance was encouraging, he had severe difficulty finishing basket plays in the regular season, hitting just 12.5% from three and 37.3% from the field.
Nick Nurse, the former head coach of Toronto, made a comment early in the season about how he looked good some days and bad others. Even Chauncey Billups, his current head coach, acknowledged that this statistical performance probably doesn’t accurately represent Banton’s future self as Portland continues its rebuild. The second-year team option ($2.2M) that Boston originally acquired in the contract is available for the Blazers to take advantage of. Next season, he turns 25.
He is a scorer, according to Billups. You guys are obviously watching him play with other guys who are actual role models. Although I don’t believe Dalano is doing this, he is capable of scoring 28 and 30 and 26 (points). Guys like him, you don’t get those kinds of opportunities when everyone is on the field, but he’s a guy who can come off the bench and make things interesting for you. Guys who have been sitting on these benches for a while now have the chance to prove that they belong and can play, and he has done just that. He’s been a welcome revelation. He’s far superior to what I had imagined. Only a few times have I coached against him, and those were in spot minutes.
Similar to Pritchard, who signed a four-year agreement, Pritchard emerged late in the season with greater opportunity (17.7 PPG, 7.7 APG, 51.3% FG, 45.2% 3PT last 6). For the first time, Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet will try to show that they can play large and depth wing, respectively, in the playoffs. Adding Springer to the squad demonstrated the team’s intention to nurture younger players at a lower cost. In his first 13 Celtics games, Springer resumed his offensive woes from Philadelphia while still a rookie in Boston’s system, with similarly few opportunities as Banton. (6-18 FG, 0-7 3PT).
He scored 26 points on 11 of 18 shots (1-2 3PT) while playing for Boston’s Maine team on Tuesday while they were in Atlanta. Though the Celtics may have enjoyed the thought of using him in limited postseason scenarios due to his greater defensive potential, he lacks Banton’s stature and positional versatility at 6-8.
Although it’s too soon to tell if Boston will lose out on trading for the latter, given that the team is more concerned with winning now than in the long run, it may serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of cutting a young player too short. Similar things happened to Aaron Nesmith in Indiana, and the Celtics never filled their fifteenth roster place.
Kristaps Porzingis stated on Thursday, “I’m not sure if I agree that every player can play like that (with opportunity).” “Dalano is undoubtedly talented. A significant portion of it comes from confidence, understanding that you won’t survive if you make two errors in a row. This team doesn’t have a lot of pressure. I believe he has a little more freedom here. He has the skill to do these kinds of things and play these kinds of games, and that gives him the courage to venture out, try new things, and be aggressive. Thus, it’s encouraging to watch him content and having fun while playing basketball unrestricted.
