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Boston Celtics Current Roster And Rotation: Ready To Win Back To Back Championships

By Fran Leiva,

3 hours ago

Fresh off their 18th NBA Championship, the Boston Celtics have approached the 2024 offseason with a calculated strategy to maintain their championship-winning core while making critical enhancements to their roster. Determined to defend their title, the Celtics focused on retaining their pivotal players and adding depth where necessary.

The most headline-grabbing move was the record-breaking extension of Jayson Tatum . The Celtics secured Tatum with a five-year deal, ensuring that their franchise cornerstone remains in Boston for the foreseeable future. Tatum’s leadership and scoring ability were pivotal in their championship run, and this extension reflects the team’s commitment to building around him.

The offseason wasn’t just about securing talent but also about smart financial management. The Celtics carefully navigated the luxury tax space, ensuring that they remain competitive while managing their payroll effectively. By balancing lucrative extensions with strategic drafting, the Celtics have positioned themselves well for the upcoming season.

Point Guards

Jrue Holiday, Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman

Jrue Holiday remains a crucial part of the Boston Celtics' backcourt, bringing a wealth of experience and defensive prowess. Last season, Holiday averaged 14.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, while shooting 43% from beyond the arc. His veteran presence and ability to perform in high-pressure situations were pivotal in the Celtics' title-winning campaign. Holiday’s defensive skills, particularly his ability to guard multiple positions, add a layer of security to the Celtics’ defense.

Backing up Holiday is Payton Pritchard, who had a solid 2023-24 season. Pritchard averaged 9.6 points, 3.4 assists, and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46.8% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. Known for his quick scoring and playmaking abilities, Pritchard provides a spark off the bench. His consistent shooting and ability to run the offense make him a valuable asset in the Celtics’ rotation.

Baylor Scheierman, selected with the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, adds depth to the point guard position. Known for his playmaking abilities and potential to grow into a significant contributor, Scheierman brings fresh energy to the Celtics’ roster. His development will be closely watched as he integrates into the team’s rotation. With his potential to provide a scoring punch and manage the offense off the bench, Scheierman’s progress will be key to the Celtics’ depth and versatility.

Shooting Guards

Derrick White, Jaden Springer, Jordan Walsh

Derrick White , fresh off a new four-year extension, continues to be a vital player for the Celtics. In the 2023-24 season, White averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 46% from the field and 40% from three-point range. His defensive abilities, coupled with his scoring and playmaking, make him an essential part of Boston's backcourt. White's performance was crucial in the Celtics’ championship run, and his consistent play is expected to be a cornerstone for the team's success this season.

Jaden Springer adds depth to the shooting guard position. Known for his defensive tenacity and athletic potential, Springer averaged 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last season. His ability to provide solid minutes off the bench and his potential to grow as a scorer will be key for the Celtics’ second unit.

Jordan Walsh, a promising young talent, brings energy and versatility to the shooting guard spot. Drafted for his athleticism and defensive prowess, Walsh is still developing his offensive game but has shown potential in limited minutes. His growth and adaptation to the NBA level will be closely watched as he aims to carve out a role in the rotation.

Small Forwards

Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, Drew Peterson

Jaylen Brown remains a cornerstone for the Celtics at the small forward position. In the 2023-24 season, Brown averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game over 70 games. His efficient shooting with 49.9% from the field and 35.4% from three-point range underscore his value on offense. Brown's leadership and ability to perform in clutch situations were pivotal in securing the Celtics' 18th NBA Championship, earning him the Finals MVP award. His defensive contributions, along with his scoring, make him an indispensable asset for Boston.

Backing up Brown is Sam Hauser, who provides reliable shooting and depth. Hauser averaged 6.1 points per game last season, shooting 41.7% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor and hit critical shots adds valuable spacing to the Celtics' offense, making him a key contributor off the bench.

Drew Peterson, on a two-way contract with the Boston Celtics and Maine Celtics, rounds out the small forward position. Peterson, who played college basketball at USC, brings size and versatility to the lineup. Standing 6'9", he averaged 15.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in the G League. Peterson’s ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories makes him an intriguing prospect for the Celtics as he continues to develop and adapt to the NBA level.

With Brown’s leadership and scoring, Hauser’s shooting, and Peterson’s potential, the Celtics have a well-rounded group of small forwards ready to contribute in the 2024-25 season. This combination of experience, shooting, and emerging talent provides the Celtics with the depth needed to remain competitive and defend their title.

Power Forwards

Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Xavier Tillman

Jayson Tatum leads the power forward position for the Celtics, coming off an outstanding season where he averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game over 74 games. Tatum's efficiency, shooting 47.1% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range, showcases his ability to score from anywhere on the court. His leadership and all-around play were crucial in the Celtics securing their 18th NBA Championship. Tatum's performance earned him his fifth All-Star selection and solidified his status as one of the league's elite forwards.

Backing up Tatum is the veteran Al Horford. Known for his versatility and experience, Horford provides valuable minutes off the bench. His ability to play both power forward and center positions gives the Celtics flexibility in their rotations. Horford's defensive skills and basketball IQ make him a vital part of Boston's lineup, especially in critical moments of the game.

Xavier Tillman, a recent addition to the Celtics, brings additional depth to the power forward position. Tillman, who previously played for the Memphis Grizzlies, is known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability. His physical presence in the paint and ability to guard multiple positions make him a valuable asset in the Celtics' rotation. As he integrates into the team, Tillman is expected to contribute significantly, particularly on the defensive end.

Centers

Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta

Kristaps Porzingis anchors the center position for the Celtics, coming off a productive 2023-24 season. Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game over 57 games. His shooting efficiency was notable, with 51.6% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. Porzingis’ defensive impact was also significant, contributing 1.9 blocks per game. His versatility and ability to stretch the floor make him a vital component of the Celtics' lineup.

Backing up Porzingis is Luke Kornet, who provides solid depth and size off the bench. Kornet's role as a reliable backup center includes offering rim protection and the ability to hit occasional three-pointers. His experience and understanding of the team's defensive schemes make him a valuable asset in the rotation.

Neemias Queta, another addition to the Celtics' center rotation, brings physicality and potential. Known for his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities, Queta offers a strong presence in the paint. As he continues to develop, his contributions on defense and the boards will be crucial for providing depth and energy off the bench.

Can The Celtics Go Back To Back In 2025?

The Boston Celtics, fresh off their 18th NBA Championship, are setting their sights on a potential back-to-back title run in the 2024-25 season. Their offseason moves and the current roster configuration suggest that they have the pieces in place to make another deep playoff run. However, several factors will determine whether they can successfully defend their title.

The Celtics have managed to retain their key players, including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis. Tatum, in particular, is at the peak of his powers and will be crucial for the Celtics' success. Brown and Porzingis add significant scoring and defensive presence, making the core of this team one of the strongest in the league. The extension of Jrue Holiday, known for his defensive prowess and clutch performances, adds invaluable experience to the roster. Holiday's ability to guard multiple positions and his playmaking skills will be essential in high-pressure playoff situations.

The Celtics have a deep bench with players like Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser providing reliable minutes. The addition of Baylor Scheierman and Neemias Queta adds young talent and potential to the mix. This depth allows the Celtics to maintain high-level play even when their starters rest. Boston's defense, anchored by Holiday, White, and Porzingis, is among the best in the league. Their ability to switch and guard multiple positions makes them a formidable defensive unit capable of stifling even the most potent offenses.

Still, the Celtics' championship aspirations will heavily depend on the health of their key players. Kristaps Porzingis, in particular, has had a history of injuries, and his ability to stay healthy will be crucial. Ensuring that Tatum and Brown are at their physical peak for the playoffs is also vital. The Eastern Conference remains highly competitive with teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks posing significant threats. Each of these teams has made their own improvements and will be gunning for the top spot, making the road to the Finals a challenging one. Maintaining the level of play that led them to the championship last season will be essential. The Celtics will need consistent performances from their role players and continued growth from their young talents.

In conclusion, the Celtics have a strong chance to go back-to-back, but it will require a combination of health, consistency, and navigating a tough Eastern Conference. The team's depth, defensive capability, and the star power of Tatum and Brown give them a solid foundation to aim for another title. If they can stay healthy and maintain their high level of play, Boston could very well be celebrating their 19th championship next year.