The Boston Celtics have brought back Dalano Banton on a ten-day contract, marking a return to familiar territory for the versatile guard. Banton, who was part of the Celtics' 2024 championship squad, spent the last couple of seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he showcased some of his best basketball.
At 26, Banton has seen his fair share of NBA jerseys, having played for six different teams since being drafted 46th overall in 2021. Standing at 6'8", Banton brings a unique scoring ability, though his career shooting percentages-40.3% from the field and 30.4% from beyond the arc-highlight areas for improvement. However, recent trends show a positive uptick in his shooting performance, hinting at potential untapped.
Banton's journey began with the Toronto Raptors, who drafted him, before he made his way to Boston. In his initial stint with the Celtics, he played 24 games, contributing as part of the "Stay Ready" crew. His move to Portland at the trade deadline turned out to be a career-defining moment, as he averaged an impressive 16.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
Derrick White, a Celtics teammate, spoke highly of Banton during his hot streak in Portland, praising his scoring versatility and work ethic. White's comments underscore the challenging nature of the NBA, where opportunities can be scarce and roles constantly shift.
After rejoining Portland, Banton found himself with a reduced role but still managed to average 8.3 points and 2.4 assists in 16.7 minutes per game. This season, he’s been lighting up the G League with the Texas Legends, posting averages of 23.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 3.4 rebounds. A brief ten-day stint with the Los Angeles Clippers saw him in limited action before the All-Star break.
Now back with the Celtics, Banton is set to reunite with head coach Joe Mazzulla and several former teammates from the championship roster, including Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. With Anfernee Simons no longer on the roster, Banton could fill a crucial role as an emergency ball-handler, a position where trust and chemistry are paramount.
The Celtics, needing to maintain a minimum of 14 players on their roster, have strategically utilized ten-day contracts to manage their lineup and stay under the luxury tax threshold. Banton’s familiarity with the team and his positive locker room presence make him a valuable addition during this pivotal stretch of the season.