BOSTON – The Celtics aren’t just reloading — they’re restructuring. Following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear, Boston had to re-evaluate its short- and long-term approach. That meant trimming their tax bill and making their championship window more flexible. They offloaded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, saving around $200 million in salary and repeater tax hits. They also flipped Georges Niang, a veteran acquired in the Porziņģis swap, to Utah and replaced him with Chris Boucher on a vet minimum deal. The front office didn’t just create cap space — they reshaped their depth chart. And now, it’s time to take a serious look at the Celtics’ starting five heading into training camp.
The Celtics’ Starting Five After Trading Niang And Adding Boucher
Anfernee Simons — Offensive Firestarter
If Anfernee Simons is still on the roster come opening night, pencil him in as the starting point guard. He’s no ironman — only twice has he played 65+ games in a season — but when healthy, Simons is lethal. He owns a career 38% clip from three, which makes him tailor-made for Joe Mazzulla’s pace-and-space offense.
On defense, he will be a liability. That won’t surprise anyone. But his shot-making can shift momentum in seconds. If the Celtics are committed to winning shootouts this season, Simons fits.
Derrick White — The Constant
Derrick White isn’t just dependable — he’s elite.
Still in his prime at 31, White is arguably Boston’s best two-way player. His presence in the Celtics’ starting five is guaranteed, and with more touches available, expect a bigger offensive role. This might finally be the year he gets his first All-Star nod.
Jaylen Brown — The Alpha Now
No more sidekick role. Jaylen Brown — Finals MVP and now clear-cut team leader — carries the torch in Tatum’s absence. Mazzulla will ask him to scale up both his scoring and playmaking.
Brown showed flashes of lead initiator potential against the Knicks in game 5 last season. But doing it consistently across 82 games is a different beast. The Celtics need him to figure it out, fast.
Sam Hauser — The Reluctant Starter
Replacing Tatum isn’t a fair ask. Still, Sam Hauser appears locked into the Celtics starting five for now. The fan-favorite sniper has earned his keep. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable — career 42% shooter from deep on high volume and no slouch on defense.
He doesn’t have to be Tatum. He just has to be solid.
Neemias Queta — Size Over Skill
Mazzulla has a choice to make: go with shooting or size. Chris Boucher is the proven vet, but Neemias Queta offers size the Celtics need. At 7 feet and 250 pounds, Queta has the frame to bang inside and protect the rim.
His per-36 numbers — 12.9 points, 9.8 rebounds — suggest potential. Boucher’s 6-foot-9 frame limits him against traditional centers. If Boston values physicality more than finesse, Queta likely wins the starting spot at the five.
Final Thoughts
The Celtics’ starting five may not be as star-studded on paper as last year’s unit, but it’s built for adaptability. Flexibility in scheme, lowered tax pressure, and internal development could be enough to keep Boston competitive.
The front office made hard calls this summer. Whether this new five can carry the load without Tatum remains to be seen — but the Celtics have made their bet.
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