While the spotlight in Boston may not have always shone on Torrey Craig, his time with the franchise appears to have been mutually respectful and productive
Whether or not he dons the green and white again next season, Craig has proven that he can still contribute at the NBA level and has value as a veteran glue guy.
With free agency looming, Torrey Craig’s next chapter could very well be back in Boston — or with another contender looking to add championship-ready experience.
Either way, Craig’s calm, professional demeanor and steady contributions ensure he won’t be waiting long for a call once the offseason opens.
Though the Celtics’ season ended in disappointment, the image of Craig paying tribute to Tatum will live on. It’s the kind of moment that highlights the best of what sports can be—a platform not just for competition, but for compassion and character.
Torrey Craig may not have filled the box score in Game 6, but he walked away with something even more meaningful: the admiration of fans, peers, and even rivals
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Torrey Craig Reflects on Boston Celtics Tenure Amid Free Agency Uncertainty
Boston Celtics forward Torrey Craig recently opened up about his future with the franchise, especially in light of Jayson Tatum’s absence due to injury.1
As Craig approaches free agency, he discussed his experience with the Celtics and his outlook for the future in a recent interview.
With his current deal set to expire, Craig’s reflections offer insight into his mindset and what could come next in his NBA journey.
— Torrey Craig (@TCraig_23) May 10, 2023
From the Bulls to the Celtics: A Midseason Move
Craig’s journey to Boston wasn’t part of a long-term plan. The veteran forward began the 2023–24 NBA season with the Chicago Bulls, but after limited playing time and a roster crunch, he was waived in early February.
The Celtics, battling injuries and looking for depth, signed Craig to bolster their bench.
In his stint with Boston, Craig played in 17 regular season games, starting three of them.
He averaged 2.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his hustle, perimeter defense, and ability to fit into the system without demanding the ball.
Though not a high-usage player, Craig provided the team with depth and experience.
Torrey Craig’s Comments on His Celtics Future
During a May 21 interview with MassLive’s Brian Robb, Craig was candid when asked about where he might land next season.2
“I guess we’ll cross that path when we get there. I have to sit down with my representatives, my agents and talk things through and see the options. But I wouldn’t mind re-signing here.”
Craig’s comment suggests openness to returning to Boston, though he acknowledged that the decision would largely be influenced by his agents and the team’s plans.
The forward is known for being a team-first player, and it’s clear that his priority is finding a good fit, both professionally and personally.
The Tatum Factor: Filling the Void Left by a Star
Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury during the Celtics’ second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks forced the team to get creative with its rotations.
Craig, alongside Sam Hauser, was one of the few options the Celtics had to fill in Tatum’s versatile role.
While Hauser emerged as the preferred option due to his shooting ability, Craig’s defensive versatility and eight years of league experience gave Boston a different look when needed.
His ability to guard multiple positions, crash the boards, and defend the perimeter could become more valuable in future rotations, especially with health concerns lingering around key stars.
Torrey Craig’s Value on the Court
Though Craig’s stats were modest in Boston, his impact goes beyond the box score.3
Known for his defensive tenacity, Craig’s presence is often felt in the small, gritty plays that swing games: diving for loose balls, boxing out bigger opponents, and defending elite wing scorers.
This kind of low-maintenance, plug-and-play player is valuable on teams with championship aspirations.
Craig doesn’t need plays run for him; instead, he thrives in a support role, giving coaches flexibility when managing minutes and matchups.
A Positive Experience in Boston: Craig’s Gratitude
When speaking about his time in Boston, Craig was overwhelmingly positive.
“They made the whole transition smooth. Welcomed my family, my son. He was able to experience some things. … From top to bottom, it’s one of the top organizations in the league, for sure.”
Such glowing words suggest that the Celtics organization made a meaningful impression on Craig. For players who move midseason, acclimating quickly is often difficult.
But for Craig, the Celtics helped smooth the process, and that personal experience may weigh heavily in his decision-making during free agency.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Boyfriend Speaks on the NBA Star
An unexpected subplot to Torrey Craig’s media coverage is his relationship with rapper Megan Thee Stallion, who has been romantically linked to the veteran forward.
Fans took note when Megan appeared courtside at multiple Celtics games this past spring.
Craig, often quiet about his private life, reportedly commented briefly on how his celebrity relationship may influence his next steps in the league.
While not an overriding factor, having a high-profile partner can influence a player’s lifestyle choices — such as preferring cities with more media exposure or better family accommodations.
ESPN Clash: Stephen A. Smith and the Haliburton Debate
Amid the Celtics’ playoff struggles, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith was called out by fellow colleagues over his criticism of opposing players like Tyrese Haliburton.
While not directly related to Craig, the broader media storm around the playoffs placed pressure on bench players like him to step up in short windows.
As teams like the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks surged past expectations, role players gained more attention.
Craig, a quiet but steady contributor, may have been overlooked in mainstream discussions but drew praise from local media for his professionalism and effort.
What’s Next? Free Agency on the Horizon
At 33 years old, Torrey Craig is not the flashy free agent some teams chase, but he remains a coveted veteran presence.
His ability to play both forward spots, defend multiple positions, and adapt to different systems makes him a target for playoff teams looking to add depth and leadership.
Whether Craig remains in Boston will depend on a variety of factors:
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Team roster needs and salary cap constraints
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The Celtics’ pursuit of other wings or young talent
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Craig’s willingness to accept a smaller role
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Family and lifestyle preferences
With his skill set, it’s also likely that contenders like the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, or Miami Heat could show interest.
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Torrey Craig Pays Tribute to Jayson Tatum During Celtics’ Crushing Game 6 Loss
In a rare and heartfelt gesture, former Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig made headlines during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals—not for a highlight-reel dunk or a buzzer-beater, but for a simple act of solidarity.
As the Boston Celtics prepared to take on the New York Knicks, Craig was seen wearing an armband honoring Jayson Tatum, Boston’s star forward, who had been sidelined due to a devastating Achilles injury suffered in Game 4.
Captured on ESPN and widely shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the image of Craig donning the green armband bearing Tatum’s name quickly went viral. “Torrey Craig is rocking Jayson Tatum’s armband ahead of Game 6 💚,” read the caption, drawing admiration from fans and players alike.
Tatum’s Absence Reverberates Through Boston
The Celtics’ Game 6 performance underscored just how crucial Jayson Tatum is to the team’s identity and success.
After injuring his Achilles in Game 4, Tatum was officially ruled out for the remainder of the playoffs, dealing a crushing blow to the Celtics’ championship hopes. The injury not only left Boston short-handed but also seemed to sap the team of its morale and rhythm.
Averaging over 27 points per game during the postseason, Tatum had been the team’s leader both statistically and emotionally. His absence left a noticeable void—one the Celtics struggled to fill.
Knicks Dominate From Tip-Off to Buzzer
From the opening tip, the New York Knicks were relentless. Fueled by a roaring Madison Square Garden crowd and an aggressive defensive game plan, the Knicks smothered Boston on both ends of the floor.
They quickly jumped out to a double-digit lead and never looked back, securing a dominant 119-81 victory that sent the Celtics home and the Knicks into the next round.
It was one of the most lopsided playoff losses in recent Celtics history. Boston’s offense looked disoriented, their defense was porous, and the body language of the players told the story of a team that had lost its compass.
The reigning champions’ title defense was over, and it ended not with a valiant fight, but with a whimper.
Torrey Craig’s Quiet Impact Beyond the Stat Sheet
While Torrey Craig is not a household name or an All-Star, his presence in Game 6 carried a message louder than any stat line.
Craig, who has built his career as a gritty, do-it-all role player, wore Tatum’s armband not for attention, but seemingly out of genuine respect and camaraderie.
It’s uncommon for a player on one team to honor an injured star from the opposing side, especially in the heat of playoff battle.
Craig’s gesture highlighted the often-overlooked relationships that transcend team lines in the NBA. These are athletes who’ve grown up together through AAU circuits, college hoops, and summer leagues. Respect runs deep—even in rivalry.
Brotherhood in the NBA Brotherhood
Craig’s tribute struck a chord with many because it revealed a side of professional sports that often gets lost amid the rivalries and heated debates—brotherhood.
Tatum, a rising face of the NBA, commands the respect of not just his teammates, but players across the league. His injury was felt deeply by peers who recognize both his talent and what he represents for the league’s future.
In showing support, Craig reminded fans that the NBA is more than a business—it’s a family. One where even competitors look out for each other.
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Social Media Reacts to Craig’s Gesture
The moment Craig’s armband was spotted, reactions on social media poured in. Fans, analysts, and fellow players all weighed in on the gesture.
Some applauded Craig’s sportsmanship, while others lamented the absence of Tatum in what could have been a classic Game 6 showdown.
“Man, Torrey Craig showing love to Tatum even when they’re about to go to war,” one user wrote. Another added, “This is the kind of respect we don’t see enough. Salute, Craig.”
Celtics Fans Left Reeling
For Boston fans, the pain of losing Game 6 was magnified by the symbolism of the moment. Seeing a rival player pay tribute to their fallen star was both touching and bittersweet.
It reminded them of what could have been—a deeper playoff run, a potential repeat title, and another chapter in the Tatum legacy.
Instead, the Celtics ended their season mired in questions about what went wrong and what the future holds.
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