Ghana Forward Ben Bentil has signed a partially guaranteed contract with the Boston Celtics who drafted him with the 51st pick in the 2016 NBA Draft held in June.
The deal comes on the heel of Boston’s multiple signings which include inking free agent Gerald Green to a $1.5 million dollar contract, handing backup Center Tyler Zeller a two year $16 million dollar contract and fellow second round draftee Demetrius Jackson.
Unlike Bentil, Jackson’s contract is fully guaranteed for the season.
Despite letting Jared Sullinger leave for the Toronto Raptors and letting Guershon Yabusele and Ante Zizic stay overseas for the upcoming season, cracking Boston’s deep frontcourt will be a daunting challenge for Bentil who failed to impress in limited minutes Summer League Games.
Aside Zeller, Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko, Kelly Olynyk and Jordan Mickey, Boston signed coveted free agent Center Al Horford to an already well stocked area. Bentil is expected to play in the Developmental League for Boston’s affiliate Maine Red Claw.
The 21 year old made history as the first Ghanaian-born player to be drafted into the NBA after averaging 21 points and seven rebounds in his second year at Providence College. He was named Most Improved Player in the Big East Conference after his spike in production.
