Boston Celtics' Greg Stiemsma Shines In First Start Of NBA Career
by Scott Schroeder on Jan 3, 2026 7:30 AM EST
in NBA D-League Call-Up News
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PrintGreg Stiemsma was given a surprise start as he replaced an injured Jermaine O'Neal in the Boston Celtics' game against the Washington Wizards. Not much was expected when the shot blocker called-up from the NBA Development League less than a month ago, but Stiemsma seemingly showed he belonged in the NBA on Monday night.
Ridiculous Upside has been writing about Stiemsma as an NBA player for over two years and first suggested calling him up in January of 2010, but the former center for the Sioux Falls Skyforce didn't get a chance to show what he was capable of until the NBA lockout created an opening in the Celtics training camp.
Stiemsma took full advantage of his new opportunity, too, as he scored 13 points, grabbed seven rebounds, blocked two shots and drew three technical fouls as the Celtics improved to .500 on the season with the 100-92 victory.
As one NBA executive told me earlier Monday about Stiemsma's impressive performance thus far this season, "It just goes to show that some role players can play their role at any level ... even if most D-League scorers can't score in the NBA."
Not bad for a D-Leaguer, eh?
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Nice to see hime grab the oportunity
only 1 turnover as well.
I didn’t see the game so how did he draw 3 technical foul calls from the Wizards?
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by Warmec on Jan 3, 2026 7:43 AM EST reply actions
All in the highlights.
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by Scott Schroeder on Jan 3, 2026 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
His devastating blocking abilities were too much for Saunders to handle...
by Ryan Ripley on Jan 3, 2026 11:35 AM EST up reply actions
I just watched it - I think Saunders over reacted just a a little but
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by Warmec on Jan 3, 2026 4:16 PM EST up reply actions
I actually think getting Saunders kicked out hurt the Celtics.
I’m not a fan of Saunders as a coach.
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by Omaha Sun on Jan 3, 2026 4:48 PM EST up reply actions
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