New signing Torrey Craig will play ‘important role’ for Celtics, explains head coach Joe Mazzulla
After forward Torrey Craig made his Boston Celtics debut on Wednesday night, head coach Joe Mazzulla explained the “important role” Craig will play for the team moving forward.
The Boston Celtics didn’t add any players via trade leading up to the NBA trade deadline, instead opting for the buy-out market. Their lone addition of the period was forward Torrey Craig, who signed over the weekend following the deadline after getting released by the Chicago Bulls.
When he signed with the Celtics, Craig was rehabbing from an ankle injury. He hadn’t played since Dec. 30 (while with the Bulls), and was inactive for his first two games with the Celtics after signing.
Craig’s return to the court and Celtics debut came on Wednesday night. Coming off the bench he scored six points hitting two three pointers on his only shot attempts. He also recorded an assist and a block as the Celtics beat the San Antonio Spurs 116-103.
“It was amazing. The atmosphere. The crowd. The fans. It’s just a joy to play here in front of a crowd like that. I’m glad I made my debut in the Garden. I’m glad I hit my first shot,” Craig said after the game.
Craig shared that he didn’t know he would be checking into the game when he did. “Not really. But it’s just part of the game. Standing ready, being professional, and coming in, and when you are called on, just do what you can.”
It was a brief appearance for Craig, but that may not end up being the norm for the 34-year-old in Boston. After the game, head coach Joe Mazzulla spoke more about the role Craig will play with the Celtics.
“He’s got an important role just because of his versatility,” Mazzulla explained. “So, it’s going to take time for him to understand the language and the things that we do on both ends of the floor. And you can watch as much film and walk through it, but until he’s in the game, it’s going to just continue to be a conversation of how we can utilize his versatility on both ends of the floor. He did some of that tonight with his defensive versatility and making those two shots. We’ve just got to get him up to speed.”
In terms of getting Craig up to speed, Mazzulla said the Celtics can lean on the fact that Craig has played a lot of basketball before coming to Boston.
“You got to rely on his experience. He’s been around a long time,” Mazzulla said of the eight-year vet. “It’s not rocket science. So, I think it’s just simplifying it as much as we can, but also utilizing the experience that he’s had…At the same time, have an understanding of how versatile he can be for us. And every team that you’re a part of, you play a different role. So, his role is important in some of the stuff that we’re able to do.”
On his side, of things Craig has done his best to get caught up quickly. “He’s been great as far as understanding that. Even during the games, asking questions,” Mazzulla shared.
After Wednesday night’s game Jayson Tatum – who had the assist on Craig’s first basket with the Celtics – highlighted the job he’s done to get on the same page with his new teammates. “He integrated pretty well,” Tatum said. “Kind of threw him in there on the fly. But it’s part of being a professional – staying ready…he gave us a spark, helped the bench, hit some threes.”
For the last two years the Celtics’ bench collectively has been known as the ‘Stay-Ready Group.’ Their newest member was able to stay ready through an injury and team change to make an impact when needed on Wednesday night. As the season rolls on, that impact could continue to grow.
