The Boston Celtics enter the 2025-26 season with a new-look roster after a disappointing offseason marked by key departures.
The Celtics will be without superstar forward Jayson Tatum for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season after he ruptured his Achilles in Game 4 of last season’s playoff exit at the hands of the New York Knicks. With second-apron penalties looming, the Celtics were forced to prepare for life without Tatum, trading away Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.
Boston also failed to re-sign Al Horford and Luke Kornet in free agency, who joined the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, respectively. Now, the Celtics will look to remain in playoff contention with a retooled roster and Tatum on the shelf.
MORE: Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla shares his role in Jayson Tatum’s recovery
Jaylen Brown reveals offseason changes are ‘a little bit sad’
The Celtics will rely heavily on Jaylen Brown to lead them to success this season. The star forward will have to take on more of a leadership role than in past seasons, and he admitted that the new-look team will have to start building chemistry to see results, according to Jay King of The Athletic.
“It’s a little bit sad,” Brown said. “A lot of the guys, I spent a lot of time with. We had such a great group over the last couple of years. To see them not be around anymore obviously is going to have an effect on our team, but we’ve got five new players that we’ve got to get onboarded and acclimated into the system. So I’m trying to expedite that chemistry building, that trust building, so you guys can see a really good product when we get to the floor.”
The Celtics still have Brown, Derrick White and Anfernee Simons to lead the charge this season, though their shocking roster overhaul represents a major change from their 2024 championship squad.
Boston will need its frontcourt to step up, with players like Neemias Queta and Sam Hauser expected to take on increased roles following a challenging offseason. Brown will be at the center of it all, and his ability to take charge will be key for Boston.
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