As the Boston Celtics gear up for the 2025-26 NBA regular season, the franchise has made some decisive roster cuts, trimming their squad to meet the demands of the opening tip-off. Among those released was Hason Ward, a 6’9″ high-flying forward who previously showcased his athleticism with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On Saturday, Spotrac’s Keith Smith reported via X: “The Boston Celtics waived RJ Luis Jr, Aaron Scott, and Hason Ward, as anticipated. All three are expected to join the Maine Celtics for the G League season. The Celtics will carry an open standard roster spot into the regular season.”
Ward, a native of Saint Thomas, Barbados, has been on a journey to carve out his place in professional basketball. After a solid collegiate career, contributing three years at VCU and two at Iowa State, Ward went undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. Undeterred, he joined the Sacramento Kings for the 2024 Summer League, displaying flashes of his potential. Later, he signed with the Boston Celtics but was released to pave the way for a stint with their G League affiliate, the Maine Celtics.
During his rookie G League season, Ward appeared in 34 games for the Maine Celtics, delivering an impressive 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 67.7% from the field. His athleticism and rim-protecting ability made him a standout in the developmental league. This past summer, Ward suited up for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, where he averaged 5.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game on a remarkable 71.4% field goal percentage.
Despite his undeniable above-the-rim flair and defensive prowess, Ward’s game still requires polish to secure a permanent spot in the NBA. At 25 years old, the explosive forward will need to refine his offensive skills and overall versatility to break through in the highly competitive league.
For now, Ward’s journey continues in the G League with the Maine Celtics, where he’ll have the opportunity to hone his craft and keep his NBA dreams alive. The Celtics, meanwhile, move forward with an open roster spot, leaving room for potential additions as they chase another championship run.