Training camp is just days away. Media Day is Monday, September 28, and that's when the Boston Celtics' season officially kicks off. Well, at least the way-too-early portion.
Boston has 14 players on standard deals, the NBA minimum. The maximum is 15, but the Celtics seem unlikely to fill their final roster spot, so they can maintain some financial and roster-building flexibility heading into the season.
They also have two two-way players currently under contract: Amari Williams and rookie Dillon Mitchell. The Celtics will likely hold a training-camp competition to decide who will earn the final of their three two-way spots.
That's where the last five players come into play. With those 16 players already in place, Boston had room to bring in five guys on Exhibit 10 deals, and that's exactly what they did. But first, let's quickly break down the rest of the roster, sorted by salary:
1. Jayson Tatum
Obviously. In March, Jayson Tatum returned from his Achilles injury. He finished up the regular season and appeared in six of the Celtics' seven first-round playoff games, missing Game 7 due to left knee stiffness.
This year will be a massive test for Tatum. With Jaylen Brown gone, it's his show. He's the unquestioned leader now. The Celtics go how Tatum goes.
A career year from Tatum could help lift the Celtics to a top seed and a deep playoff run. Anything less could result in yet another disappointing year for the guys in green.
2. Paul George
Perhaps the most talked-about man in Boston this summer. Paul George was the return in the Brown trade. Along with a first-round pick, a first-round pick swap, and two second-rounders, George came to Boston from the Philadelphia 76ers in early July.
George addressed it at his first Celtics press conference. He said he understands why the city is upset. He knows that losing a guy like Brown will inevitably draw criticism.
But George can still play. Injury issues will define his season, but if he stays on the court, his 3-point shooting and defensive pressure will fit nicely in the Celtics' lineup.
3. Derrick White
This will be a telling season for Derrick White. Since joining the Celtics, White has been one of the NBA's best role players. An elite defender and a reliable offensive threat. Last year, the latter took a hit.
White was still an elite defender, finishing with a place on the All-Defensive First Team, but his offense fell off a cliff. Though his ball-handling remained solid, his efficiency wasn't nearly as good as in past years.
A leap back to standard would be huge for White and, in turn, for the Celtics next year. Playing next to Tatum more consistently should help. He and White have good on-court chemistry.
4. Mitchell Robinson
The signing of the summer. Boston's splash in free agency. The Celtics inked Mitchell Robinson to a three-year, $47.4 million contract this summer, stealing him away from the NBA Champion New York Knicks.
Robinson will step into a potential battle for the starting spot with Neemias Queta, though it may make more sense to start him. By starting Robinson, the Celtics can avoid teams trying to hack him in the bonus and send him to the free-throw line (where he does not thrive).
For a team that values possessions as much as the Joe Mazzulla Celtics, Robinson is a perfect fit. He's one of the greatest offensive rebounders in NBA history, and Boston loved to crash the glass last year.
5. Sam Hauser
Though some would rather see Mazzulla roll with the young wing rotation more often, Sam Hauser has been one of the Celtics' most dependable players for the last four years.
Last year was the first time Hauser failed to crack the 40% mark from beyond the 3-point arc since before high school, and he still clocked in at 39.3%. His 3-point spacing is essential to Boston's offense, especially with Tatum back and leading the charge.
Over the course of the last three years, only three players have shot at least 39% on at least 350 3-point attempts: Stephen Curry, Isaiah Joe, and Hauser. He's been at the peak of NBA 3-point efficiency.
© David Butler II
Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard
6. Payton Pritchard
Few players may have a better opportunity than Payton Pritchard this season. Brown is gone, and Pritchard has a chance to step up into the role of the Celtics' secondary offensive creator. And he seems fully capable of taking that opportunity by the reins.
Pritchard was one of the best paint scorers in the league last year, and for a team that could struggle to get downhill, he may be the key to unlocking that part of the offense.
He has a chance to take a leap as a playmaker, too. It feels like Pritchard could take yet another step after improving his scoring last year alongside Brown.
7. Ron Harper Jr.
It's weird to see Ron Harper Jr. as the seventh-highest-paid Celtic. But since Queta and Jordan Walsh's contract extensions don't kick in until next season, he lands here after signing his new contract.
Harper enjoyed plenty of success last season when given the chance to play late in the season. He doesn't really have any holes in his game. Now, it will just be about earning more opportunities.
He shoots the 3-ball fairly well (but could stand to improve), is a solid ball-handler, can defend at a high level, and crashes the glass hard. When he's on the floor, he's going to make an impact.
8. Chris Cenac Jr.
Ah, rookie money. Even a late first-round pick will make more than some of the Celtics' minimum-contract players. Chris Cenac Jr. has potential, but he probably won't play too much this season.
Cenac flashed his talent during Summer League, crashing the boards, blocking shots, and even showing offensive versatility. But a year in Maine could do him good.
With Robinson and Queta eating up a bulk of the Celtics' center minutes, and Luka Garza right behind them, Cenac probably won't have much room to get on the court. That said, some double-big minutes with him at four could be a fun experiment.
9. Hugo Gonzalez
Yet another guy who could be in store for a breakout campaign. Hugo Gonzalez enjoyed an impressive rookie season, and the advanced numbers love him. When Gonzalez is on the court, the Celtics are better off.
Gonzalez could crack the starting lineup, especially if Mazzulla decides to bring Pritchard off the bench. It would help balance out the offense throughout games and add a point-of-attack specialist to the first five.
The 20-year-old Spaniard still has lots of room to grow. He needs to be more consistent from deep range, avoid overaggressive mistakes, and keep improving as a ball-handler. But the raw potential and defensive instincts are there.
10. Luka Garza
Boston signing Robinson will undoubtedly cut into Garza's minutes this season. But he should still earn plenty of playing time throughout the year.
With Robinson's injury history, the Celtics will almost certainly be careful with his minutes. That will open the door for Garza. And even when both Robinson and Queta are active, Garza could still get some looks.
He's the Celtics' only floor-spacing option at the five, unless Mazzulla trusts Cenac this early in his career. Add in his elite offensive rebounding, and there will definitely be nights when Garza is a top center option for Boston.
© Kevin Jairaj
Baylor Scheierman, Cooper Flagg, and Neemias Queta
11. Baylor Scheierman
Gonzalez may end up winning the starting job, but Baylor Scheierman's name will be in the ring for it, too. He's turned himself into a very reliable 3-and-D wing option.
Of the Celtics' young wing group, Scheierman's offense is the most polished. He's not quite the defender that Gonzalez or Walsh is, but he holds up very well on that end. And his 3-point shot is much more consistent.
Scheierman can put the ball on the floor, too. He's flashed enough playmaking potential for the Celtics to hope that he can be a secondary creator on the floor for them at times.
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