Why a JD Davison Reunion in Boston Makes Sense-Now More Than Ever
When the Boston Celtics waived JD Davison back in July, it wasn’t about talent-it was about dollars. The second luxury tax apron forced some tough calls, and Davison, despite his promise, became a casualty of the cap sheet.
Fast forward four months, and he’s logging five-minute cameos for the Houston Rockets before being sent to the G League. If he’s going to be riding the bench, you can’t help but wonder-shouldn’t it be in Boston green?
This isn’t just a sentimental take. There’s a very real basketball case for Davison to return to the Celtics, and the timing couldn’t be better for both sides.
From G League MVP to G League Limbo
Let’s rewind to spring 2025. JD Davison wasn’t just good in the G League-he was dominant.
Averaging 25.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 5 rebounds on 48.1% shooting, he earned G League MVP honors and etched his name into the Maine Celtics record books as the all-time leader in points, assists, and steals. That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident.
Boston recognized it, too, upgrading him from a two-way to a standard NBA contract.
It looked like the breakthrough was finally here.
But then came the financial squeeze. The Celtics were staring down the barrel of the second luxury tax apron, and hard decisions followed.
Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis were moved. Davison, despite all he’d done, was waived to help cut costs.
The message was clear: *we believe in you, but we can't afford you. *
Enter Houston.
The Houston Fit That Wasn’t
When the Rockets scooped up Davison on a two-way deal, the move had all the makings of a smart reunion. Ime Udoka, now coaching in Houston, had been part of the Celtics' staff when Davison was drafted 53rd overall in 2022.
The familiarity was there. The opportunity seemed real.
Early signs were promising. Davison looked sharp in the preseason, including a 17-point outing against Atlanta.
He showed off the same burst and efficiency that made him a G League standout. For a moment, it looked like he’d carved out a spot in the Rockets’ rotation-even if it was on the fringe.
But then Reed Sheppard started flashing his upside, and suddenly the guard depth chart got crowded. When Fred VanVleet went down with an ACL injury, the door appeared to be open for Davison.
Instead, Houston sent him to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.
That move said everything. Even with a glaring need at point guard, the Rockets didn’t see Davison as part of the solution.
On a team chasing a championship, there’s no room for long-term projects. They need production now, not potential.
Boston’s Backcourt Could Use a Jolt
Over in Boston, the guard rotation is deep-on paper. Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, Huge Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh.
There’s no shortage of names. But the recent stretch has shown that depth doesn’t always equal consistency.
Pritchard exploded for 42 points against the Cavaliers-but that came right after a 4-for-14 outing against Minnesota. Derrick White has had his moments, but he’s struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 6-for-16 in that same Timberwolves game and battling inefficiency all season. Simons, while talented, looked overwhelmed running the offense in limited minutes.
This is where Davison fits in.
He’s not coming in to be the savior. He’s coming in to be a spark-an energy guy who knows the system, brings pace, and can change the tempo of a game in short bursts.
Boston spent three years investing in his development with the Maine Celtics. They molded his game.
He responded by becoming the best player in the G League. That kind of commitment deserves a second look.
Low Risk, Real Upside
Let’s be clear-this is a no-risk move for Boston. Davison’s on a two-way deal.
He’s not blocking anyone. He’s not eating up cap space.
If it doesn’t work? You cut bait.
No harm done.
But if it does work? You get a young, athletic guard who’s already comfortable in your system and hungry to prove he belongs. That’s the kind of upside you take a swing on-especially in a season where the Celtics are still figuring out what their long-term rotation looks like.
And the timeline checks out. If Boston acts quickly, they could bring Davison back before the holidays.
Give him 10-15 minutes a night off the bench, let him find his rhythm, and by January, he could be a real contributor. Come playoff time?
He might be a trusted piece in the rotation.
A Win-Win-Win Scenario
For Houston, this clears a roster spot and opens up flexibility. For Davison, it’s a shot at redemption in a place that believed in him. And for Boston, it’s a chance to add depth and energy without spending big.
JD Davison is still just 23. He’s still got the bounce, the vision, the drive.
What he needs now is opportunity. And the Celtics-who know him better than anyone-might be the team to give it to him.
He’s already worn the green. Maybe it’s time to put it back on.