Overview

• Payton Pritchard will replace Jayson Tatum in the starting backcourt after winning Sixth Man of the Year with averages of 14.3 points on 47.2 percent shooting last season.
• Anfernee Simons is projected to anchor the second unit as a high-usage scorer if he remains with the team, although Boston continues to explore trade options.
• The Celtics traded Jrue Holiday for Simons and moved Kristaps Porziņģis this summer to reduce their luxury-tax burden following new CBA restrictions.
• With Al Horford’s future uncertain and Porziņģis gone, Boston will rely on Neemias Queta, Luka Garza and Chris Boucher to shore up frontcourt depth.
• Team leadership has rejected a rebuild and emphasized competitiveness despite roster upheaval and salary-cap pressures.