The Boston Celtics made a move this week that won’t affect Joe Mazzulla’s rotation, but it fits the way the organization builds. Boston now sits at 12–9 after a strong win over the New York Knicks, continuing to stabilize their early-season form without Jayson Tatum.
Against that backdrop, the franchise made an under-the-radar depth addition earlier in the week.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Maine Celtics have claimed former first-round pick Keon Johnson off waivers, adding a 23-year-old guard with real NBA experience to their development system.
Celtics: Who Is Keon Johnson?
Johnson entered the league with promise, selected 21st overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2021. His early years were turbulent, with stops in LA, Portland and Brooklyn as part of multiple trades, including the Damian Lillard deal.
Last season was his most stable opportunity. Johnson appeared in 79 games for the Nets, starting 56 of them and averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists. His efficiency fluctuated, but his activity level stayed consistent. He defended, pushed tempo and found a role on a young roster.
Brooklyn’s draft class changed his outlook. After adding five first-rounders in June, the Nets had to solidify their guard rotation, and Tyrese Martin won the final spot. Johnson went to waivers.
Earlier this week, Maine saw an opening.
A Look at Maine’s Strong Start to the Season
The Maine Celtics have been one of the G League’s most consistent teams over the last two weeks. After an 0–3 start, they’ve reeled off six straight wins to move to 6–3, the second-best record in the Eastern Conference behind Raptors 905.
Much of the stretch has come without their three two-way players: Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga and Amari Williams, who have been with the Boston Celtics due to injuries and rotation shifts. That opened the door for the rest of the roster, and they capitalized. Different players have stepped up every night. Stefan Todorovic erupted for a career-high 31 points in Sunday’s win over the Westchester Knicks.
Harper Jr. leads the team in scoring at 29.2 points per game. Shulga averages 13.8 points and 6.4 assists, and Williams provides 12.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per night.
It’s a group playing with confidence, depth and structure. Adding Johnson gives them another experienced guard who has played meaningful NBA minutes.
What Johnson Brings to a Team Already Finding Its Rhythm
With Maine playing well, Johnson joins a roster that doesn’t need rescuing but can benefit from additional defensive depth and athleticism. His time in Brooklyn showed he can handle switches, pressure ball-handlers and fill secondary playmaking gaps. He also brings experience in pace-heavy systems, something that fits Maine’s style.
Johnson isn’t eligible for a two-way deal, so this isn’t an audition for an immediate NBA role. It’s a developmental addition and a chance to evaluate a player with tools worth exploring. Maine has shown it can maximize opportunity for players deeper on the depth chart.
For the Celtics, this move doesn’t shift anything in the short term. But they consistently treat Maine as an extension of their roster, and the program has produced contributors and emergency depth when injuries hit.
Final Word for the Celtics
Keon Johnson joins Maine with an opportunity to reestablish his footing in a structured environment. The Celtics offer him stability, coaching and a team that’s trending upward after a shaky start.
He likely won’t see TD Garden this season, but being in the system gives him a clear path to rebuild value and stay ready.
If he settles in, Boston adds another developmental guard to its pipeline. If not, the move still fits the way the Celtics manage their depth and long-term planning.
For Johnson, it’s a straightforward chance at the right time.
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