On Thursday, just about an hour before tipoff, Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens explained that he would like to add a wing “soon” to the 14th roster spot.

Two hours later, while the Celtics are in the middle of a game against the Dallas Mavericks, Stevens made his decision and signed a wing.

The Celtics signed veteran wing Torrey Craig to a deal, his agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed to Shams Charania of ESPN.

Craig last played for the Chicago Bulls before they waived him on Monday. He’s only played in nine games this season while managing an ankle injury, averaging 6.9 points per game on 48.9 percent shooting from the field and 42.9 percent from behind the arc.

Boston has needed a veteran wing that can be trusted if needed on both ends of the court to help spell the Jays occasionally, as the depth to the position has been thin behind Sam Hauser.

Craig has averaged great shooting splits over the last three seasons, which likely appealed to the Celtics and their shooting system:

• 2021-22: 45.0% FG, 32.3% 3P
• 2022-23: 45.6% FG, 39.5% 3P
• 2023-24: 43.0% FG, 39.2% 3P

Although the Celtics didn’t make an addition at the deadline, they still needed to add at least one player to fill out the roster after trading Jaden Springer, which left only 13 players on the roster.

Stevens also mentioned looking into filling the 15th roster spot, which he typically leaves open for roster flexibility down the road. It’s usually been a two-way player being promoted to the 15-man roster, becoming playoff eligible by the end of the regular season. In this case, it would likely be Drew Peterson.

When it comes to Craig, I have to assume that the Celtics feel optimistic about his injury status and will expect him to be available for them this season.

Craig will wear No. 12 and will join the team on Saturday in Nee York for a physical ahead of their game against the Knicks, per Jared Weiss of The Athletic.

Here’s a look at what Craig’s contract details, via Spotrac.

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Photo Credit: Melissa Tamez, Icon Sportswire, Getty Images