Los Angeles — Dalano Banton has not yet played for the Celtics in the Summer League, but that should soon change. He

missed the Celtics’ first two defeats in Vegas due to a minor ailment, but he declared on Tuesday that he will play in the

Lakers game on Wednesday at 10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fans in Boston will get to see the newest signee play in a C’s jersey for the first time at that game. The 6-foot-7 guard spent

the previous two seasons with the Raptors, participating in 95 games as a backup. He will now have the opportunity to

contend with the Celtics for a rotation place.

 

“Just being able to be part of a championship contender, guys being able to push you, whether that’s guys in the first unit or

second unit,” Banton stated on Tuesday. On both sides of that, as well as being able to come every day and be able to work, I

believe there will be a lot to learn. Having the ability to challenge other players while attempting to merely build every day,

complete my particular work, and determine my position in the rotation. Simply getting started, being able to work hard

each and every day, and being able to show people my hard work and dedication.

 

Banton signed a two-year deal with the Celtics as the team looked to shore up its guard depth after the Marcus Smart trade.

While the C’s still have Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard on the roster, Banton could still carve out a

role for himself. His size also adds a different element defensively.

But first, Banton will look to make an impact in Summer League for the Celtics. It’s a chance to show what his game looks

like in the early goings. Banton should at least compete for a consistent role come training camp, but the Summer League

days are good training grounds.

“It’s been a great experience so far, so just trying to jump in, trying to learn everything at a fast pace,” Banton said. “So just

being able to join a championship organization, a team who’s high on winning, expected to win and playing at that level. So

it’s kind of going to be a good push for me to see where I’m at and be able to build with these guys and be able to push myself

as well.”

READ MORE:

Celtics Gain Traction In Damian Lillard Next-Team Market

Damian Lillard is reportedly only interested in moving to one place, but that hasn’t stopped bettors from finding value with

the Boston Celtics.

 

Lillard asked the Portland Trail Blazers for a trade because he wants to play for Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. However,

general manager Joe Cronin made the long-term choice to avoid trading his franchise player too soon—days following the

request.

 

Los Angeles Clippers are apparently one among the clubs interested in trading for Lillard, and the Celtics have reportedly

contacted Portland about doing so. But Lillard insisted on Monday that he only wants to be dealt to Miami, according to

Shams Charania of The Athletic.

 

The following Lillard team (odds increased before his request for a move). On Tuesday, that number increased to +650. As a

result, a $100 wager placed at open would have returned $2,100, while a wager placed on Tuesday would have returned

$750.

The odds are shorter for the Heat (-270) and Trail Blazers (+475) than for Boston. At +950, the Clippers complete the top

four.

However, there does not appear to be any tangible evidence that suggests Lillard intends to play in Boston, so those who got

the Celtics number early on may have made a tidy profit. The Celtics might lose out on a trade if they manage to make it

happen.

The public will still place bets on the Celtics, especially if they remain i  linked to Lillard. But it doesn’t mean there is a high-

percentage chance of the bet paying out.