The Boston Celtics, fresh off their championship run, find themselves in a familiar position most contenders face — filling out the back end of the roster with depth that can offer insurance, potential, and value. With their core intact and the free agency frenzy mostly behind us, the front office led by Brad Stevens is now turning to smaller, lower-risk moves that could have outsized impact come training camp and beyond. One intriguing possibility is the addition of Charles Bassey on a training camp deal. While such a move wouldn’t make national headlines, it would be a calculated bet with potential upside. At just 23 years old, Bassey remains an athletic and skilled big man who has yet to truly find stability in the NBA. His availability, combined with Boston’s roster needs, creates a compelling scenario worth exploring in detail.
Charles Bassey’s name may not yet resonate with casual NBA fans, but for basketball aficionados and player development watchers, his profile offers more than meets the eye. Born in Nigeria and raised in part in Texas, Bassey was once one of the top high school prospects in the nation. His path to the NBA was shaped by early promise, collegiate productivity, and professional adversity. Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing roughly 235 pounds, he possesses the physical tools of a traditional NBA center — size, length, shot-blocking, rebounding, and the ability to run the floor. In an era where versatility is prized, Bassey has tried to adapt his game beyond paint dominance, working on short-range touch and even stretching out his jumper to mid-range spots.
His collegiate career at Western Kentucky was a preview of his skill set. Over three seasons, Bassey averaged 15.9 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. He was a two-time Conference USA Player of the Year and a relentless force on both ends. Scouts saw his potential as a modern rim protector and lob finisher. However, injuries — particularly a broken leg in 2019 — slowed his draft momentum. He fell to the Philadelphia 76ers with the 53rd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, a steal from a talent standpoint, but not a guarantee in terms of contract or minutes.
With the Sixers, Bassey was largely a developmental player, spending most of his rookie season in the G League where he dominated with rebounding and shot-blocking. His per-36 numbers in limited NBA time suggested strong defensive instincts and elite rebounding, but Philadelphia’s roster, top-heavy with bigs like Joel Embiid, didn’t offer much opportunity for upward mobility. Eventually waived, Bassey caught on with the San Antonio Spurs, a team known for nurturing young talent in a lower-pressure environment.
In San Antonio, he flashed again. In the 2022–2023 season, Bassey averaged 5.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and nearly a block per game in limited minutes. Advanced metrics loved him: his rebounding rate and block percentage were among the highest for players with similar usage. His energy, defensive timing, and effort earned him praise from Spurs fans and coaches. However, in March 2023, he suffered a torn ACL — a major setback for any player, especially one trying to solidify his place in the league. The Spurs waived him in July 2024, making him a free agent still on the road to recovery, though expected to return to basketball activity this fall.
This brings us to the Boston Celtics. With a roster that blends star power and veteran leadership, Boston is a franchise in win-now mode. Their 2024-25 championship run was built on the shoulders of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis — but perhaps more critically, it was sustained by smart roster management. The Celtics are meticulous about depth, injuries, and matchups. Al Horford, who at 38 continues to play impactful basketball, cannot be relied upon for heavy minutes every night. Porziņģis, as talented as he is, has a well-documented injury history. Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta have shown flashes, but both are more specialized or situational than reliable every-game contributors.
This is where a player like Bassey could fit in. Signing him to a training camp deal — typically a non-guaranteed or partially-guaranteed contract — would allow the Celtics to bring him in for evaluation without long-term commitment. These deals are common for teams wanting to see how a player performs in system-specific environments. For Boston, it would be a low-risk, high-reward investment in a young big who still has untapped potential.
The basketball fit is intriguing. Bassey offers shot-blocking and rebounding, two areas that Boston values highly. Their defensive schemes under Joe Mazzulla rely on intelligent rotation, vertical contests, and physical rebounding — Bassey checks those boxes. He’s a willing roller in the pick-and-roll and could thrive in a system where spacing and ball movement allow him to operate in simplified offensive roles. While he’s not a floor-spacer himself, his vertical gravity — the threat of an alley-oop or put-back — can be a valuable dynamic off the bench. Defensively, he’s quick enough to hedge screens and recover, and he’s shown promise as a help-side rim protector who can make second-effort plays.
From a developmental standpoint, Boston also has the infrastructure to support Bassey’s return from injury. Their training and medical staff is considered among the league’s best, and their recent history with players like Robert Williams III, who overcame early injury troubles to become a defensive anchor, proves they know how to manage and optimize physical talent. Moreover, the team culture emphasizes patience, professionalism, and attention to detail — characteristics that align well with Bassey’s known work ethic and humility.
Another factor in favor of such a move is Boston’s strategic cap management. With several large contracts on the books, especially following the extensions of Tatum and Brown, the Celtics need to be prudent about roster construction. Training camp deals allow them to maintain flexibility and avoid unnecessary tax penalties. If Bassey impresses in camp, he could be signed to a two-way contract or even a standard deal if a roster spot opens due to injury or trade. If not, the Celtics lose nothing and can still offer him a G League slot with the Maine Celtics, where he could stay close to the organization and continue his development.
Critics might argue that Bassey is an injury risk or that he hasn’t done enough to warrant another NBA shot. However, it’s important to remember that NBA development is rarely linear. Players like Hassan Whiteside, Isaiah Hartenstein, and even the aforementioned Robert Williams had rocky starts to their careers before blossoming into impact players. Bassey’s age and previous production suggest he still has room to grow. What he needs is stability, opportunity, and a system that values what he does well — all things Boston could provide.
Additionally, bringing in competition during training camp is a healthy way to evaluate internal options. Kornet, Queta, and any other backup bigs will benefit from the push that someone like Bassey provides. It creates a meritocratic environment where roles are earned, not given. That’s a hallmark of successful franchises, and the Celtics are no exception. If Bassey outperforms others in camp, he earns his spot. If not, Boston still walks away with a deeper understanding of its frontcourt pecking order.
There’s also a long-term view to consider. Horford won’t play forever. Porziņģis may need more maintenance days. Roster turnover is inevitable in the NBA. Cultivating depth — particularly with young, cost-controlled talent — is essential for sustaining success. Signing Bassey would be a proactive move, one that keeps the pipeline of big men full while maintaining flexibility. Even if he doesn’t contribute immediately, the Celtics would have a player under their umbrella who could step in when the opportunity arises.
Let’s also look at the Celtics’ recent interest in reclamation projects and developmental players. Sam Hauser, a former undrafted player, earned rotation minutes through persistence and shooting consistency. JD Davison, though still raw, has been allowed to grow slowly under the watchful eyes of Boston’s coaching staff. Charles Bassey fits that mold — a former high-pedigree prospect looking to reestablish his value. In a stable and winning environment, players often thrive in ways they couldn’t elsewhere.
The key to making this move work would be transparency and alignment of expectations. Boston would need to clearly communicate the nature of the opportunity — that a camp deal doesn’t guarantee a roster spot but does offer a legitimate chance to compete. Bassey, for his part, would need to embrace the grind and focus on what he can control: effort, physical conditioning, understanding the system, and executing his role. If both sides approach it the right way, it could be a mutually beneficial relationship.
It’s worth noting that teams around the league will also be interested in Bassey. Athletic big men with shot-blocking instincts don’t grow on trees, and several teams in rebuilding or retooling phases may want to add him to their developmental programs. However, Boston’s winning culture and playoff aspirations may give them an edge. For a young player like Bassey, the opportunity to learn from veterans, participate in meaningful games, and train under elite professionals could outweigh other considerations.
In conclusion, the idea of the Boston Celtics signing Charles Bassey to a training camp deal is more than plausible — it’s strategically sound. It offers upside without risk, aligns with the Celtics’ long-term vision, and could provide valuable insurance for a roster built to contend. While such moves rarely make headlines, they often pay dividends over the course of an 82-game season and a grueling playoff run. Bassey, still young and hungry, deserves another shot. The Celtics, always on the lookout for smart roster additions, might just be the perfect team to give it to him.
