The Boston Celtics are reshaping their roster with Jayson Tatum sidelined for the year and veteran departures thinning the depth chart. Over the summer, the front office has leaned into cost-controlled upside. Younger players. Developmental projects. Competition at the margins.
The latest addition? Former Indiana Pacers forward Kendall Brown. The 21-year-old brings athletic finishing and promising G League numbers, joining camp with a chance to push for one of Boston’s two-way slots.
Celtics Add Kendall Brown
Brown entered the NBA as the No. 48 pick in 2022 by the Minnesota Timberwolves. His rights were moved to Indiana, where he spent two years on a two-way contract. He earned a late conversion to a standard deal in 2023–24, but was waived ahead of last season.
He briefly signed a two-way deal with Brooklyn, though he never appeared in a game. His NBA total stands at 21 appearances.
The intrigue comes from his G League production. With Long Island last year, Brown averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.5 steals. He shot 57% from the field and 40% from three. For Boston’s Summer League team, he was limited in volume but extremely efficient, hitting 69/75/80 shooting splits.
For the Celtics Summer League Brown averaged: 8.6 Points on 69% FG% and 75% 3P% in 5 games
Celtics’ Two-Way Picture
Boston currently has its three two-way slots filled. Amari Williams and Max Shulga were taken in the 2025 draft. RJ Luis Jr arrived via trade from the Utah Jazz, a move that sent Georges Niang back the other way.
That leaves Brown competing with fellow camp addition Jalen Bridges for positioning with the Maine Celtics. Bridges profiles as the steadier shooter. Brown leans on athleticism and rim pressure. Both offer different developmental paths, and both could play their way into call-up consideration.
If a roster shakeup comes, Luis Jr seems the likeliest to move, given Boston’s investment in Williams and Shulga as recent draft picks.
What’s Next for Boston?
With expectations adjusted while Tatum recovers, Boston’s focus is clear. Development. Discovery. Building cost-controlled depth.
Maine will provide reps. Brown and Bridges fit that mission as low-risk swings who could return value. If the jumper holds, Brown’s tools give him a real chance to climb into the Celtics’ plans.
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