Luka Garza delivered the biggest scoring performance in the [Celtics](https://nesn.com/boston-celtics)’ preseason opener. Devin Carter might have delivered the performance with the most immediate implications for his future.
Carter scored 17 points in Boston’s 124-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. Garza led the Celtics with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh scored 16 apiece. For Carter, the opportunity carries a different kind of urgency. He joined Boston on an Exhibit 10 contract, putting him in a position to compete for a place rather than approach preseason with an established role.
One exhibition cannot settle that competition. It can give a player something concrete to build on, and Carter now has a productive Celtics debut behind him.
An Opportunity With Real Stakes
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Preseason means different things to different players. Established veterans can use it to regain their rhythm, test combinations and prepare for the regular season. A player trying to earn a roster spot has to make his case while doing those same things.
Carter’s contract makes that distinction relevant. An Exhibit 10 agreement does not give him the security of an established place on the opening-night roster. His scoring performance supplies a positive first impression, but the next evaluations will need to go beyond his point total. Boston must decide whether his decision-making, defense and ability to function alongside different teammates justify keeping him.
Those are questions that become clearer through repeated appearances. A strong debut earns attention; consistency gives a coaching staff a reason to trust a player.
**MORE**: [Celtics Starting Lineup vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Full Starting Five for Preseason Game](https://nesn.com/boston-celtics/news/celtics-starting-lineup-vs-cavaliers-preseason/7f62820da49887ccf2689020)
The Next Test Is Building On It
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The Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, giving Carter another potential opportunity as Boston continues its four-game preseason schedule.
The useful follow-up would be another performance that demonstrates how he can contribute within a smaller, more defined role. A roster candidate does not necessarily need to lead the scoring. He needs to show that his minutes help the team. That is what makes Carter worth watching after Thursday’s opener. His place remains something to earn, and his debut gave Boston a reason to keep looking closely.
The Celtics won their first exhibition. Carter took a promising first step toward winning a longer stay.
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