The Boston Celtics have a decision to make soon. They currently have 18 players on their preseason roster and have to cut two of them to meet the NBA's maximum of 16 guaranteed contracts and 15 players on the roster.

The three players believed to be in the cut-down conversation are rookie Demetrius Jackson and second-year players James Young and R.J. Hunter.

Jackson has a different case as he was signed by the Celtics for three years with the first one guaranteed. Unless the team finds a way to get a taker for the rookie, which is highly unlikely given that most teams are in the same situation as them, it's between Young and Hunter to duel for the last spot.

But after their exhibition game against the New York Knicks, Hunter has become the favorite to get signed. The Georgia State product erupted for 17 points off the bench including clutch baskets down the stretch.

Although he is still considered a work in progress, the 6-foot-5 guard has improved by leaps and bounds during the course of the team's training camp. His ability to create off the dribble and get to the basket was showcased during their last game. He also knows what he needs to focus on to be a complete player.

Per Chris Forsberg of ESPN:

“[Defense has] been my main focus. I think before I was coming in trying to figure out how to score, and now I’m just trying to figure out how I can help my team on the defensive end. I think that makes the offensive end a lot easier.”

If Hunter continues to contribute to his team in their final two preseason games and also show that he can be a stopper on the defense, it will make Brad Stevens' decision easier to make.