Celtics make two more signings via the hardship exemption
With eight players in the NBA’s COVID-19 protocol, the Boston Celtics have been forced to sign even more players through the league’s hardship exemption.
Mar 21, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic forward Al-Farouq Aminu (2) drive the ball against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
David Butler II-USA TODAY SportsWith eight players in the NBA's health & safety protocol, the Boston Celtics have been forced to sign even more players through the league's hardship exemption. On Friday, they're making two: according to Shams Charania, they're signing veteran forward Al-Farouq Aminu and G League center Norvel Pelle to 10-day deals.
Aminu and Pelle join Joe Johnson and C.J. Miles as the latest to join the Celtics via the hardship exemption, which protects teams from being too shorthanded amid extreme circumstances. Missing over half your regular roster due to COVID-19 would certainly qualify.
Most recently, the 30-year-old Aminu played for the Chicago Bulls in the 2020-21 season. The Celtics are his seventh NBA team. He has averaged 7.5 points, six rebounds, and one steal in 711 career games.
Pelle most recently played on Wednesday night for the Cleveland Charge, the Cavs' G League affiliate. The 27-year-old played for a whopping four teams over two seasons from 2019-21. The Celts would be No. 5.
The Celtics certainly needed frontcourt help, with a Christmas Day tilt against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on deck. Al Horford and Grant Williams remain in the COVID-19 protocol, and Enes Freedom became the eighth Celtic on the list on Wednesday.
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