While the NBA nears its halfway mark of the season, there are those behind the scenes still waiting for their next opportunity in the league. That includes former Celtics forward Oshae Brissett, who has yet to sign with a team.

Brissett won the NBA championship with the Celtics last season as a reserve forward. He got reserve minutes throughout the season, including some in the East Finals against his former team in the Pacers. But he hasn’t been able to land a new contract. Brissett was blunt on his experiences about how difficult it is being an NBA free agent while waiting for his next opportunity. He made those comments in a recent video on his YouTube channel.

“It hasn’t been easy, man,” Brissett said. “That’s the real part I wanted to say. It hasn’t been easy. I watch these games, I sit back and watch NBA games all day. One because I’m a fan of basketball but, two, I’m trying to see where I can fit in and where I can help and I see it. I’m like, ‘Bro, I’m better than that guy.‘

“I have confidence in myself knowing that if I get the chance that I can go out there and do it. So, it’s tough. It’s tough seeing it. But I can’t give it up. Like imagine me going to the gym and someone calls and they’re like, ‘Yo, we need you to come in and tryout or come in and play.’ And I’m not ready? I can’t do that.”

In the video, the 26-year-old forward shows his process in terms of being ready and what kind of work he’s getting while waiting for his opportunity. With the video coming out for the New Year, he also shared that one of his goals is to solidify his spot in the NBA.

Brissett signed with the Celtics back in July 2023, quickly becoming a favorite in the locker room. Since he won the 2024 title with the C’s, he got to also visit the White House with the team back in November 2024.

“It was really cool to see Brissy again and have him be here and a part of it,” Derrick White said. “Obviously, he was a big member of our team last year, so it was great to have him here and get the old gang back together.”

Brissett still being unsigned is a bit surprising considering he turned down his player option to return to the Celtics for the 2024-25 season. But it was a risk he took as he wanted an opportunity for playing time with a new team. Considering the C’s brought back their entire rotation from the title squad, it was going to be difficult to consistently get minutes. Brissett averaged 3.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 55 games (one start) for the C’s last season.

There could be more opportunities for Brissett in the coming weeks. After trades and moves across the league, there are often roster spots available. So Brissett could look to stick with a new team down the stretch of the season.

“Can’t give up,” Brissett said. “That’s no way to be. That’s no way to live. I’ve never been like that. Stuff has never been given or handed or granted to me. I’ve always worked my tail off for the things that I have. So I’m gonna keep doing that. But I just wanted to let you guys know: it hasn’t been easy.”

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