Maine Red Claws Renamed Maine Celtics

PORTLAND, Maine – May 24, 2021 – The Boston Celtics today unveiled a new look and new name for their NBA G League franchise. Starting today, the Maine Red Claws will be known as the Maine Celtics. This new chapter of Celtics basketball in Maine will go into effect for the upcoming 2021-22 NBA G League season. “I’m as excited about this change as I was when we started the Maine Red Claws back in 2009,” said Maine Celtics Team President Dajuan Eubanks. “Directly aligning our franchise name with the iconic Boston Celtics brand creates a new era of heritage building for basketball here in Maine.” “When we purchased the Maine franchise in 2019, we immediately made that organization a part of our family,” said Boston Celtics Team President Rich Gotham. “The decision to rename the team to ‘Maine Celtics’ is the next step in that evolution, and a nod to our diehard fan base, which extends throughout the great state of Maine.” Founded in 2009 the Maine Red Claws have been a pillar of success in the Portland sports community, both on and off the court. The history of the Celtics and Maine goes back almost to the beginning of the Boston Celtics franchise. Boston started coming to Maine in 1947 for exhibition games and barnstorming tours across the state. The Celtics even played a regular season game at the then-brand-new Bangor Auditorium in 1955. “Maine’s evolution to further align the team with the Boston Celtics is as exciting for the team’s fans as it is for the league,” said NBA G League President Shareef Abdur-Rahim. “Fans in Portland have long enjoyed the team’s focus on development and becoming the Celtics really highlights that commitment. I can’t wait to visit Portland to watch the team in green next season.” Unum will continue to be the presenting partner of the Maine Celtics, which will return to the Portland Expo for the start of the 2021-22 NBA G League season. The league is expected to resume with a full, 50-game regular season starting this fall. CONTACTS: Evans Boston, Maine Celtics – 207-838-7416, eboston@maineceltics.com About the Maine Celtics   Originally called the Maine Red Claws, the Maine Celtics have been the NBA G League Affiliate of the Boston Celtics since the team’s inaugural campaign during the 2009-10 season. The Boston Celtics purchased the franchise prior to the start of the 2019-20 season. The Celtics play their home games at the Portland Expo. During the Red Claws/Celtics’ first 10 years in Maine, 14 players have earned GATORADE Call-Ups to the NBA, including two players to Boston. Additionally, 30 Boston Celtics have been assigned to Maine for development or rehabilitation. 12 former Maine coaches have made the jump to the NBA, including current Celtics coaches and former Maine head coaches Scott Morrison and Brandon Bailey.  About the NBA G League  The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring 28 teams with direct affiliations with NBA franchises for the 2019-20 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Fifty-two percent of all NBA players at the end of the 2018-29 season boasted NBA G League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.