The Boston Celtics are bracing for the 2025-26 season without injured star Jayson Tatum and recently traded veterans Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, yet several key figures insist the team can stay competitive.
During a September 13 interview on Atlanta’s V-103 FM, forward Jaylen Brown acknowledged the uncertainty but urged fans to remain hopeful. “I know Boston, it looks gloomy right now, obviously with JT being out … but it’s a lot to look forward to,” Brown said. “This is not the end.”
Asked whether he might someday suit up for his hometown Atlanta Hawks, the 28-year-old left the possibility open despite having four seasons and $304 million remaining on his super-max contract. When host Darian Morgan said he would like to see Brown in a Hawks uniform, Brown replied, “I feel you. I think my grandma would too.”
New majority owner William Chisholm echoed Brown’s optimism in comments to The Boston Globe, predicting that lesser-known players will capitalize on expanded roles. “I think they’re going to surprise some people,” Chisholm said. “I think this is a good team and I think we have a really good coach and a really good president of basketball operations.”
Frontcourt competition figures to highlight training camp. According to Brian Robb of MassLive, recently acquired forward Chris Boucher enters as the frontrunner to start at power forward. Pairing the 6-foot-9 Boucher with center Neemias Queta would boost size and rebounding, while inserting sharpshooter Sam Hauser would favor head coach Joe Mazzulla’s three-point-heavy approach. Swingman Josh Minott is viewed as a potential sleeper for rotation minutes.
Robb added that financial pressures tied to the NBA’s second apron made the departures of Holiday and Porzingis likely even if Tatum had remained healthy. He noted the club might have retained Al Horford or Luke Kornet and pursued low-cost veterans under different circumstances.
Source: Hoops Rumors
