Celtics Invite 3 More Players to Camp

The Celtics have already announced their intention to invite Pitt's Gilbert Brown to camp.  Brown went undrafted but Danny called him right after the draft to let him know that the Celtics were still very interested in him and that he had a good chance to make the team.  Brown is a defensive specialist whose offensive game needs some work.

According to the Globe, in addition to Brown,  the Celtics have also extended invitations to centers Michael Sweetney, Greg Stiemsma and Jamal Sampson. With just 6 players signed going into camp and half of those up for grabs in trades, Danny may just be trying to amass enough bodies for a practice.

You may remember Michael Sweetney from summer league and training camp two years ago. He was invited to attend training camp in 2009 but was waived before the season. The 6'8 center out of Georgetown was selected by the New York Knicks with the 9th overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft but his NBA career has been sidetracked by injuries and constant weight issues. He was told 2 years ago that he has the skills to make it in the NBA but needed to be in better condition.


Greg Stiemsma, a 6'11" big man out of University of Wisconsin-Madison is averaging averaging 9 points and 10.8 rebounds in four games for the NBDL's Sioux City Skyforce. Stiemsma has also played for teams in Turkey and South Korea before deciding to return to the Sky Force this season.

Jamal Sampson is a 6'11" power forward/center who happens to be the cousin of the former Rocket big man Ralph Sampson. Sampson was drafted 47th overall by the Utah Jazz in 2002, after one season at the University of California, Berkeley. He was then was traded to the Orlando Magic who then traded Sampson to the Milwaukee Bucks. He has also served short stints with the Lakers, the Charlotte Bobcats, the Kings and the Nuggets. He also played in the Philippines and in China. He was selected by the Texas Legends with the 5th pick in the 2011 NBDL draft where is is averaging 14 points and 15 rebounds this season.

The Celtics desperately need size and these invitees will fit that need. Hopefully at least one of them will include talent along with that size.