BOSTON — The Celtics waived summer league standout Dionte
Christmas on Tuesday, announcing the surprise move hours before the team's
preseason home opener against the Brooklyn Nets.
Christmas, 26, was considered the leader among a group of
players with nonguaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts to earn one of
Boston's final 15 roster spots. He turned down several offers to play overseas
to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA after a strong summer league showing,
and his versatility, shooting and defense appeared to afford him an edge over
Jamar Smith, Kris Joseph and Micah Downs.
Smith was also waived on Tuesday, the team announced in the
same news release, although that move was expected. Smith averaged 13.6 points
and 5.0 assists per game with the Maine Red Claws of the NBADL, but he fired
blanks this preseason, shooting just 4-22 from the field.
The Celtics' roster is now down to 16 players with four
preseason games remaining, beginning Tuesday night at the TD Garden against the
Nets.
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