The Boston Celtics have resolved most of their offseason priorities—moving Kristaps Porziņģis, Jrue Holiday and Georges Niang to trim payroll—but the franchise still faces several unanswered questions before training camp opens.
Simons remains key trade chip
Anfernee Simons, obtained in the Holiday deal with Portland, is the lone major asset Boston possesses outside its core of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. Team officials are not expected to rush any decision on the 25-year-old guard, according to MassLive’s Brian Robb. The Celtics intend to keep Simons unless a move clearly aligns with their long-term title plans while Jayson Tatum recovers from a season-ending Achilles injury.
Battle for starting center
The starting center spot is still up for grabs among Neemias Queta, Chris Boucher, Luka Garza and Xavier Tillman Sr. Robb reports that Queta enters camp with a slight edge thanks to his rim protection and rebounding, though Boucher could overtake him with a strong preseason. Tillman’s role will hinge on whether lingering knee issues that have limited him over the past two years subside.
White expected to shoulder offense
With Tatum sidelined, White will be asked to expand his scoring responsibilities. NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg notes the veteran guard averaged 20.8 points, 5.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds in games Tatum missed last season. Team observers hope he can sustain similar production, chase his first 20-point-per-game campaign and earn an inaugural All-Star selection, though past cold shooting stretches remain a concern.
Scheierman could provide back-court depth
The guard rotation of Pritchard, White and Simons appears set, yet Robb identifies second-year swingman Baylor Scheierman as a potential fallback if injuries occur. Boston was encouraged by Scheierman’s late-season playmaking in pick-and-roll situations and will give him a chance to seize minutes off the bench.
The Celtics open training camp next month with roster spots filled but several roles still undecided as they begin a season without their franchise star.
Source: Hoops Rumors
