The Boston Celtics are coming off an unforgettable season, where they captured their 18th NBA championship, solidifying their place as the most successful franchise in NBA history. Boston dominated the regular season with a league-best 64-18 record and cruised through the playoffs, finishing with a 16-3 postseason record.
The Celtics were unstoppable, combining elite offense and defense to produce the fourth-highest net rating of all time. They ranked first in offensive rating and second in defensive rating, showcasing their balanced and dominant approach on both ends of the floor.
With their championship core still intact and key offseason moves to further bolster the roster, the Celtics are poised to defend their title. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the 2024-25 season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Jrue Holiday
Reserves: Payton Pritchard, JD Davison, Jay Scrubb
Jrue Holiday has quickly established himself as a critical piece of Boston’s title-winning team. Acquired before the start of the 2023-24 season, Holiday proved why he is considered one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Known for his elite defense and playmaking ability, Holiday averaged 12.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while shooting an efficient 48.0% from the field and an impressive 42.9% from beyond the arc.
His contributions on both ends of the floor were invaluable throughout the regular season and the playoffs, as he brought stability to Boston’s backcourt and often guarded the opposing team’s best perimeter player.
Recognizing his importance, the Celtics rewarded Holiday with a four-year, $135 million contract extension. His leadership, defensive tenacity, and ability to knock down key shots make him a cornerstone of the Celtics’ future.
Backing up Holiday is Payton Pritchard, who continues to serve as a spark plug off the bench with his shooting and energy. Pritchard provides valuable minutes as a backup point guard, particularly when the Celtics need a scoring boost. JD Davison and Jay Scrubb add depth to the position, though their playing time may be limited barring injuries.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Derrick White
Reserves: B. Scheierman, Jaden Springer, Ron Harper Jr.
Derrick White has emerged as one of the best “3-and-D” players in the NBA, and his transformation into a starting-caliber guard has been instrumental in Boston’s success.
White’s ability to impact the game on both ends was on full display last season, as he averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the field and 39.6% from three-point range. His defensive versatility, combined with his improved playmaking and shooting, made him a crucial piece in the Celtics’ championship run.
Boston showed their faith in White by extending his contract for four years at $125 million, securing his services as one of the team’s foundational players for years to come. White’s ability to guard multiple positions and his knack for hitting big shots makes him a perfect complement to the Celtics’ dynamic wings, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
In the reserve unit, B. Scheierman, Jaden Springer, and Ron Harper Jr. will compete for minutes at shooting guard. While still developing, these young players offer intriguing upside as they look to carve out roles on a championship-caliber roster.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Jaylen Brown
Reserves: Sam Hauser, Lonnie Walker, Anton Watson
Coming off a Finals MVP performance, Jaylen Brown has firmly established himself as one of the best wings in the NBA. Brown was an All-Star once again in 2023-24, averaging 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 49.9% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents, and his defensive versatility allows Boston to switch seamlessly on defense.
Brown’s play in the postseason was nothing short of spectacular, earning him Finals MVP honors after he delivered in crucial moments on both ends of the floor. His ability to score efficiently and defend at a high level was pivotal in Boston’s dominant title run.
Behind Brown, Sam Hauser will continue to provide shooting and floor spacing off the bench. Hauser has developed into a reliable sharpshooter, and his ability to stretch the floor is vital to Boston’s second unit. Lonnie Walker and Anton Watson will add further depth at the small forward position, with Walker bringing athleticism and scoring ability.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Jayson Tatum
Reserves: Xavier Tillman, Jordan Walsh, Drew Peterson, Tristan Enaruna
Jayson Tatum remains the face of the Celtics franchise, and after another brilliant season, he’s solidified his place among the league’s elite. Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while shooting 47.1% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range. His ability to score at all three levels, combined with his improving playmaking and defense, makes him one of the most complete players in the NBA.
Tatum’s stellar 2023-24 season earned him his third straight All-NBA First Team selection and a historic contract extension—$315 million over five years, the largest in NBA history. As Boston’s go-to scorer and leader, Tatum will once again be the driving force behind the Celtics’ title defense.
Backing up Tatum is a mix of experienced veterans and young players. Xavier Tillman provides toughness and defense in the frontcourt, while Jordan Walsh, Drew Peterson, and Tristan Enaruna bring youthful energy and potential. Walsh, in particular, could see an increased role as a defensive specialist and energy player off the bench.
Center (C)
Starter: Al Horford
Reserves: Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, D. Skapintsev, Kristaps Porzingis (Injured)
With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined for the first few months of the season due to injury, Al Horford will step back into the starting center role. Despite being 38 years old, Horford continues to defy Father Time with his basketball IQ, defensive positioning, and ability to stretch the floor.
Last season, Horford was a key contributor, helping anchor Boston’s defense and providing invaluable leadership. Although his minutes may be managed to preserve him for the playoffs, Horford’s presence remains critical to the team’s success.
Porzingis, when healthy, will provide a significant offensive boost. The 7’3″ big man had a standout season in 2023-24, averaging 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 51.6% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range. His ability to protect the rim and score both inside and outside will make Boston even more dangerous upon his return.
Until then, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and D. Skapintsev will provide depth at the center position. Kornet offers size and shot-blocking, while Queta and Skapintsev are developing big men who can fill in when needed.
As the Boston Celtics prepare to defend their title, the roster is stacked with talent, experience, and depth. With Jrue Holiday and Derrick White leading the backcourt, and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continuing to dominate the wings, the Celtics are well-equipped to make another deep playoff run. The addition of Kristaps Porzingis, once healthy, will add another dynamic layer to their already potent offense.
Coming off a historic season, the Celtics will look to build on their momentum and aim for back-to-back championships as they solidify their legacy as one of the greatest franchises in NBA history.
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