Joe Mazzulla Backs Lack Of Playing Time For Celtics Newcomer

BOSTON — Torrey Craig hasn’t received much of a chance on the court since being picked up by the Celtics after the NBA trade deadline.

Playtime time has been very limited for Craig, who the Celtics signed after he was waived by the Chicago Bulls, since he made his Boston debut just over two weeks ago. Craig played 10-plus minutes in a game once over that span and was glued to the bench twice due to a DNP-CD. Craig played just 2:57 in a pivotal matchup this past Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It’s an interesting spot to be in for the veteran forward, but Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla backed his decision to largely keep Craig off the floor on gamedays.

“That was a big opportunity (Friday). He guarded Ty Jerome at the end of the quarter and was able to get a stop. We were able to defend him there,” Mazzulla said Sunday before facing the Denver Nuggets. “To me, the amount of minutes doesn’t add up to what the opportunity is. Playing 20 minutes is as important as playing 20 seconds if you execute the situation that we need you to do. He’s exactly where we need him to be. He has an open mind, he’s ready to impact the game in whatever way. What we do is put our guys in the best position to help us impact winning. … He’s just got to continue to know whenever he’s out there, it’s the most important minutes of the game.”

Craig has found ways to contribute in limited playing time. He knocked down two 3-pointers in nearly nine minutes against the San Antonio Spurs and blocked three shots coming out of the All-Star break in a rout of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Mazzulla gave Craig the starting nod last week against the Toronto Raptors with the Celtics dealing with various injuries. Craig could have done more with that opportunity, though. He shot 2-for-7 from the floor, including missing all five of his shots from beyond the arc, for four points to go along with three rebounds.

Craig’s role probably is unlikely to change unless a major injury occurs or he can convince Mazzulla he deserves more playing time.