Overview

• Jayson Tatum is expected to miss most if not all of the 2025-26 season after suffering a torn Achilles in May and currently has no set return timetable despite visible rehab progress.
• Under the NBA’s new second luxury-tax apron, the Celtics traded Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Georges Niang and allowed Al Horford and Luke Kornet to depart in free agency to reduce payroll.
• President Rich Gotham expressed confidence that the retooled lineup can still deliver wins even without its franchise star on the court.
• Jaylen Brown will assume the role of primary scorer while Derrick White takes on lead playmaking duties as Boston navigates an understrength frontcourt.
• For the first time since 2015, the Celtics will not appear on the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule, marking a shift in franchise branding and seasonal tradition.