This didn’t seem likely when Greg Stiemsma was driving his Ford Focus around Ankara, Turkey, one of his six professional basketball stops since leaving the University of Wisconsin.
He is a member of the Celtics, a contending NBA team, and now he has a guaranteed contract for this season.
The deadline to waive players with nonguaranteed contracts came and went yesterday, and no news was good news for Stiemsma, who never was officially notified by the team that he was staying.
Twice waived by NBA teams, Stiemsma’s road to Boston was an unlikely one, and the center is grateful to be sticking around.
“It’s a satisfying feeling,’’ he said. “Any little stuff like that can give you a boost for the season. I don’t get caught up in the business side too much, but I do enjoy the positives. I wasn’t anticipating too much to happen, but you never know.’’
Stiemsma, 26, was signed while he was with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBADL. He impressed the Celtics with his defense and shot-blocking but has played sparingly of late because of the emergence of Chris Wilcox. Still, he remains an asset off the bench and has increased his market value with his production.
Stiemsma is averaging 1.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 7.9 minutes per game.
He blocked six shots in his NBA debut in New Orleans Dec. 28. In his lone start, on Jan. 2 against the Wizards, Stiemsma scored 13 points, had 7 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots.
Since that game, he has played just 90 minutes in 18 games.
“I’m sure he can exhale today,’’ said coach Doc Rivers. “First of all, he’s a good spirit. The guy never complains, does his work every single day. Secondly, he does give us an option. He’s a shot blocker and he actually make shots as well.’’
Stiemsma slowly has adjusted to playing defense in the NBA, which calls for positioning and movement.
“It’s amazing how quickly the league scouts you,’’ Rivers said. “When he comes in, they are running pick-and-rolls, and they know [he has struggled]. But he’ll get it.’’
Rivers said he had no idea about Stiemsma until the scouting staff showed him video two days before the start of training camp.
“He piqued my interest immediately,’’ Rivers said. “Some shot blocks … you thought no way he could get to. And he kept getting to them and that was impressive.’’
Misses and makes
