The Boston Celtics have waived all four camp invites

The Boston Celtics officially announced that they have waived all four of the training camp invites, forwards Damen Bell-Holter and DeShawn Sims, and guards Chris Babb and Kammron Taylor.

These moves bring Boston's roster down to 14, and more importantly keeps them under the luxury tax. Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com perfectly outlined how that helps the Celtics in a rebuilding season:

Celtics waive four camp invites - ESPN Boston
The Celtics have 14 guaranteed contracts for a total salary commitment of approximately $71.2 million (and it jumps to $71.6 million for tax purposes). The luxury tax line this season is $71.75 million.

By staying under the tax this season, the Celtics will put themselves in position to collect the rebate that non-taxpaying teams reap (splitting a portion of the money spent by taxpayers). When you consider the bloated bill the Nets alone will pay this season, it's a good season to be below the tax. Staying under the tax can also help Boston avoid repeater penalties moving forward.

Even though these camp invites are gone, it's well worth reading this article by CSNNE.com's Jessica Camerato. She saw Chris Babb sitting on a stool by himself at media day and decided to do a story on him, here is an excerpt:

Babb looking to fit in wherever he can | Comcast SportsNet
"(If I make an NBA team), you’ll see the same how I’ve been playing," he said. "I think I bring a spark to the team, whether it works out here or wherever I go. I just want to be able to be a positive asset, bring positive energy, a winning attitude, be that role guy who comes to work every day ready to compete, and find some place I fit in."

Damen Bell-Holter also has an interesting story, which I outlined in early September. Coming from a rough hometown in Alaska, it's unbelievable that Bell-Holter made it as far as he has in his career.

"Blessed to bless" - CelticsBlog
Last year Bell-Holter became a resource for children and spent two weeks in both Canada and Seattle, teaching underprivileged kids how to play basketball, as well as valuable life lessons. Later that year he spread his positive message to middle school boys and girls in Oklahoma. And of course, every single year he returns to his home state of Alaska to host basketball camps and to stand as a role model for children.

It wouldn't surprise me if we see at least one of these players signed on with the Celtics' developmental league affiliate, the Maine Red Claws. It's a shame to see these young kids get cut, but that is the nature of the business, and there is always a chance another NBA team sees something in them.

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