Greg Stiemsma thankful to Boston Celtics for giving him a chance – NBA Update
After spending just one season with the Boston Celtics, Greg Stiemsma is on his way to the Minnesota Timberwolves – a team which waived him off back in 2010.
The 26 year old centre, who was a restricted free agent this summer, has signed a one year offer sheet with the Wolves worth 3 million dollars. However on his departure, he acknowledged the fact that playing for the Celtics was
a life time experience.
Stiemsma was part of the Celtics team which went all the way to Eastern Conference Finals before losing out to Miami Heat in 7 games. The experience of playing alongside the likes of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo and
Ray Allen is too valuable for the young centre and these are the memories he would keep close to his heart.
“Nobody was really sure, myself included, of what would happen going into training camp last year,” said Stiemsma. “But I got some great opportunities to play, and KG and Doc were great with me right from the start. Everyone was
willing to teach, and they genuinely wanted me to do well.”
The Wolves are the only other NBA team; the Wisconsin native has been under contract with in the past but failed to make a single appearance with them. Prior to joining Boston, he represented the Sioux Falls Skyforce – a D-League
outfit.
Last season, Stiemsma was brought in to play back up to Kevin Garnett and his debut could not have been any better. Although he managed only 2 points on the night, however he was able to set a franchise record for a first timer
by blocking 6 shots.
That was the type of performance any debutant would give everything to have under his belt and Stiemsma believes that playing for the Celtics was a confidence booster for him.
He is now focused on using last year’s exploits as a stepping stone to jump start his professional career in the NBA.
“Confidence has always been a big part of my game - when I feel comfortable on the floor everything flows from there - and playing for the Celtics really gave me that confidence,” he said. “I’m grateful for what Boston did for
me. I just hope I can use this last year as a springboard.”
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