After an unexpectedly lengthy offseason stuffed with discuss of second aprons, Achilles tendons and roster resets, the 2025-26 Boston Celtics will take the courtroom for the primary time Wednesday night time in Memphis,
A rundown of gamers to look at within the Celtics’ preseason opener in opposition to the Grizzlies might embody practically the complete roster, since virtually each Boston participant is both new to the franchise or making ready for a extra outstanding and pressure-packed position this season.
However listed here are 5 to maintain a very shut eye on because the C’s exhibition schedule ideas off at 8 p.m.:
Jaylen Brown (No. 7)
The Celtics are Brown’s workforce for the foreseeable future.
With longtime co-star Jayson Tatum working his approach again from Achilles surgical procedure, Brown now could be Boston’s undisputed No. 1 option for the primary time in his decade-long NBA profession. How he approaches that position — changing Tatum’s scoring, playmaking and rebounding talents whereas additionally not making an attempt to win video games by himself — might be one of the crucial compelling storylines of this Celtics season.
Wednesday additionally might be Brown’s first recreation motion since he underwent surgical procedure to restore a torn meniscus this summer season. That knee challenge hindered him for the ultimate three months of final season, tanking his capturing numbers and forcing him to retool his enjoying model. He’s been a full participant in coaching camp, and mentioned his reintegration has been “fairly seamless,” however how will he look in a recreation setting? Like his typical self, or nonetheless working his approach again to peak kind?
With far much less confirmed depth on their roster this season, the Celtics badly want Brown to remain wholesome and obtainable.
Anfernee Simons (No. 4)
Payton Pritchard appears to be Jrue Holiday’s likely replacement within the beginning lineup, however Simons ought to see loads of enjoying time. A 20-point-per-game scorer over his three seasons as a full-time starter in Portland, essentially the most confirmed of Boston’s offseason additions brings explosive offensive potential and a robust observe file of high-volume 3-point capturing.
One thing Simons didn’t present throughout his time with the Path Blazers was capable defense. He’s been a minus at that finish all through his profession.
Since arriving in Boston by way of the Vacation commerce, Simons has had what he known as “sincere conversations” with Joe Mazzulla about his defensive shortcomings, together with the pinnacle coach “discuss(ing) smack” and difficult him in coaching camp. Mazzulla views it as a matter of effort and want, Simons mentioned, and has advised the 6-foot-3 guard that he’s “not as dangerous as individuals suppose.”
The Celtics are with out two of their high three scorers from final season in Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis, so Simons’ capability to pile up factors ought to be useful. However he’ll must show to Mazzulla — who typically praises Pritchard’s enchancment as a two-way participant — that he can maintain his personal as a defender.
Neemias Queta (No. 88)
Any listing of an important gamers on this Celtics workforce has to incorporate Queta, who now headlines a depleted frontcourt that misplaced its high three choices this offseason.
The departures of Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet propelled the Portuguese 7-footer from fourth to first on Boston’s depth chart at heart, setting him up for what ought to be by far the heaviest workload of his NBA profession. Queta had a handful of standout performances final season — his first that didn’t embody any stints within the G League — and is coming off an encouraging displaying at EuroBasket 2025. However consistency has been a problem for the 26-year-old, who’s typically discovered himself in Mazzulla’s doghouse.
Queta isn’t the one Boston large man with one thing to show. Free agent signees Luka Garza and Chris Boucher each mentioned the chance for extra enjoying time was what drew them to Boston, and returning end-of-the-bench reserve Xavier Tillman additionally expects to be in the mix more often this season.
Josh Minott (No. 8)
The pickup who generated the least buzz this offseason? Most likely Minott, who performed sparingly throughout his three seasons in Minnesota (5.0 minutes per recreation throughout 93 appearances) and, not like fellow Timberwolves import Garza, was not a celebrity in school.
The rangy 22-year-old gives a mixture of size and athleticism, nonetheless, that might make him an asset a Boston transitions to its new push-the-pace approach. Teammates have known as the 6-foot-8 ahead “a pest” in coaching camp, and Minott mentioned he “is perhaps the quickest (participant) on the workforce.”
Celtics gamers have made clear since camp started that the workforce plans to play sooner on offense and more aggressively on defense. Although he’s by no means been a lot of a scoring menace, Minott has an opportunity to carve out a task as a defensive-minded energizer off the bench.
Hugo Gonzalez (No. 28)
Talking of energizers, that’s what the Celtics need Gonzalez to be in no matter minutes he’s in a position to earn this season. Boston’s first-round draft decide isn’t more likely to crack Mazzulla’s rotation instantly, however Wednesday will present an early glimpse at how the 19-year-old Spaniard stacks up in opposition to professional NBA competitors.
Gonzalez lived as much as his pre-draft scouting report in Summer season League, displaying potential as a high-motor disruptor and cutter whereas capturing the ball erratically. Three months later, his adjustment to the American model of basketball and the Celtics’ system remains a work in progress.
Pritchard just lately mentioned Gonzalez is “undoubtedly going to be a very good participant finally,” however what’s he now? Can he sustain with the pace and expertise of the NBA recreation? May he be an occasional contributor this fall and winter, or does he must develop within the G League first? We’ll discover out this preseason.
