Torrey Craig

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    Torrey Craig Bio

    Torrey Craig is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and competing at the small forward position, he is recognized for his defensive versatility, hustle, and rebounding despite going undrafted out of college. Craig has built a steady career across professional leagues in Australia, New Zealand, and the NBA, earning individual awards and reaching the NBA Finals along the way.

    Over the course of his career, Torrey Craig has suited up for several NBA franchises, including the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls, before joining the Boston Celtics. Known for his work ethic and team-first mentality, he has become a respected role player who contributes on both ends of the floor.

    Early Life and Background

    Torrey Craig was born on December 19, 1990, in Columbia, South Carolina. He grew up in the small community of Great Falls, South Carolina, where he attended Great Falls High School. As a senior, he earned 1A state Player of the Year honors, establishing himself as one of the most talented prep prospects in the region despite playing in a smaller classification.

    Coming from a modest background, Craig developed his basketball skills through long hours of practice and competitive play in local and regional circuits. His combination of size, athleticism, and basketball intelligence made him a versatile prospect for college programs looking for a hardworking wing player.

    Craig went on to attend the University of South Carolina Upstate, where he played for the USC Upstate Spartans. His college journey laid the foundation for his professional career and helped him gain national recognition as one of the most productive players in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

    Path to Basketball

    At USC Upstate, Torrey Craig quickly made an impact, entering the starting lineup as a freshman and averaging 14.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His strong debut season earned him Atlantic Sun Conference Freshman of the Year honors, signaling his potential as a future professional prospect.

    As a sophomore, Craig led the Atlantic Sun in scoring at 16.4 points per game and helped the Spartans win 21 games. He was named the conference Player of the Year and earned honorable mention All-American recognition from the Associated Press, cementing his status as a top mid-major talent.

    In his junior year, Craig once again led the A-Sun in scoring at 17.2 points per game and was selected first team All-Atlantic Sun. Before his senior season, he was named the preseason Player of the Year in the Atlantic Sun. On February 10, 2014, he reached the 2,000 career point milestone with a 22-point game against East Tennessee State. After graduating from USC Upstate in 2014, Craig began his professional career overseas, eventually working his way into the NBA.

    Torrey Craig Career

    Early Career (2014–2017)

    On August 6, 2014, Torrey Craig signed with the Cairns Taipans of Australia for the 2014–15 NBL season. He was named NBL Player of the Week for Round 9 after recording 19 points and 10 rebounds against the Adelaide 36ers, and he helped the Taipans finish the regular season in first place with a 21–7 record. The team reached the grand final series but lost 2–0 to the New Zealand Breakers. In 32 games, Craig averaged 8.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

    Craig re-signed with the Taipans for the 2015–16 NBL season and continued to develop as a versatile forward. Following the NBL season, he joined the Wellington Saints of the New Zealand NBL, where he was named the NZNBL MVP after averaging 20.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. He returned to the Saints in 2016 and won an NZNBL championship, scoring 15 points in the grand final as the Saints defeated the Super City Rangers 94–82.

    NBL Breakthrough with Brisbane Bullets (2016–2017)

    On May 9, 2016, Torrey Craig signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Bullets, a team re-joining the NBL after an eight-year hiatus. He made his debut in the season opener on October 6, scoring a team-high 16 points in a 72–65 win over the Perth Wildcats. He later scored a career-high 34 points in a 105–87 win over the Adelaide 36ers and recorded 30 points and 18 rebounds in the season finale against the Illawarra Hawks, becoming just the second player in eight years to achieve that statistical line.

    For the season, Craig was named the NBL Best Defensive Player and earned All-NBL Second Team honors. In 28 games, he averaged 15.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, establishing himself as one of the most impactful two-way players in the league.

    Denver Nuggets Era (2017–2020)

    In June 2017, Torrey Craig returned to the United States to join the Denver Nuggets for NBA Summer League, and on July 19, 2017, he signed a two-way contract with the team. He spent much of his first season in the NBA G League with the Sioux Falls Skyforce due to the 45-day limit on two-way deals. He made his NBA debut on November 28, 2017, against the Utah Jazz and his first career start on December 15, 2017, against the New Orleans Pelicans.

    On July 10, 2018, Craig signed a two-year, $4 million contract with the Nuggets. He posted a then career-high 22 points in a win over the Houston Rockets on February 1, 2019, and scored 18 points with five three-pointers in a playoff win over the San Antonio Spurs. He finished his time in Denver as a trusted defensive specialist who could guard multiple positions.

    Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns (2020–2022)

    On November 26, 2020, Craig signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was later traded to the Phoenix Suns on March 18, 2021, in exchange for cash considerations. With the Suns, he had 20 points and 14 rebounds off the bench against the Brooklyn Nets on April 25, 2021. In the 2021 NBA Finals against his former team the Milwaukee Bucks, Craig averaged 2.8 points and 1.3 rebounds across the six games, though the Suns lost the series 4–2.

    On August 20, 2021, Craig signed with the Indiana Pacers, where he scored a career-high 28 points with 11 rebounds in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets on October 29, 2021. He was traded back to the Phoenix Suns on February 10, 2022, and returned to the Suns for the 2022–23 season.

    Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics (2023–2025)

    On July 16, 2023, Torrey Craig signed with the Chicago Bulls and provided veteran wing depth and defensive intensity. He was waived by the Bulls on February 3, 2025. Shortly after, on February 8, 2025, Craig signed with the Boston Celtics, adding experience and toughness to the roster.

    Driving Style and Strengths

    Torrey Craig is best known for his defensive versatility, ability to guard multiple positions, and relentless motor on the boards. He excels as a three-and-D wing, capable of knocking down open shots while taking on the challenge of defending the opposing team’s best perimeter player. His basketball IQ, communication, and willingness to do the little things have made him a favorite among coaching staffs throughout his career.

    Notable Events and Milestones

    Among Torrey Craig’s signature moments are reaching the 2,000 career point milestone in college, earning the NBL Best Defensive Player award in 2017, winning an NZNBL championship in 2016, and reaching the 2021 NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns. He is also recognized as one of only two players in USC Upstate history to appear in an NBA game.

    Torrey Craig Career Wins

    Torrey Craig’s career victories span multiple leagues, including championships, individual awards, and milestone performances across Australia, New Zealand, and the NBA.

    NBL and NZNBL Highlights

    Craig won an NZNBL championship with the Wellington Saints in 2016 and was named the NZNBL MVP in 2015 and 2016. He was also named the NBL Best Defensive Player and earned All-NBL Second Team honors with the Brisbane Bullets in 2017.

    Other Wins and Performances

    Beyond his league awards, Craig has posted several standout individual performances, including a 41-point game against the Taranaki Mountainairs with the Wellington Saints in 2015 and a 34-point game against the Adelaide 36ers with the Brisbane Bullets in 2016. He also played a key role with the Gold Coast Rollers of the Queensland Basketball League in 2017, averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.

    Torrey Craig Family

    Family Background and Personal Life

    Torrey Craig keeps much of his family life private. He is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and grew up in the nearby community of Great Falls. His journey from a small-town background to professional basketball has been a source of pride throughout his career.

    Personal Life

    Craig’s son, Braylon, was born on June 4, 2014. He has been in a relationship with rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Outside of basketball, Craig remains connected to his South Carolina roots and continues to be a positive role model for young athletes from small-town communities.

    2025 Season Performance

    Torrey Craig began 2025 with the Chicago Bulls before being waived on February 3, 2025. Just five days later, on February 8, 2025, he signed with the Boston Celtics, joining a contending roster and providing veteran depth at the wing position. His experience and defensive versatility made him a valuable addition for the stretch run of the regular season.

    As a role player with the Celtics, Craig has been called upon to guard multiple positions, knock down open shots, and bring energy off the bench. His familiarity with playoff-style basketball and willingness to embrace a team-first role have fit well within Boston’s championship aspirations.

    Looking ahead, Craig will look to continue contributing to the Celtics’ push deep into the 2025 NBA Playoffs, leveraging his defensive skills and championship experience. Whether in a rotational role or as a situational specialist, he remains committed to making an impact on a team chasing an NBA title.