Celtics 2025-26, Season Thread – (Media Day = Sept. 29, 11:00AM)

[bucknersrevenge]

It's looking a lot like Anfernee Simons is going to be playing for the Celtics.


‪Bobby Krivitsky‬

With training camp on the horizon, Anfernee Simons is among those putting in work at the Auerbach Center.

This is strange, if true. How is he on the court with no press conference? I was told he was gone.

[djFan71]

It's looking a lot like Anfernee Simons is going to be playing for the Celtics.


‪Bobby Krivitsky‬

With training camp on the horizon, Anfernee Simons is among those putting in work at the Auerbach Center.

This is strange, if true. How is he on the court with no press conference? I was told he was gone.

I mean, they didn't even give him any green shorts yet. If you can't read those tea leaves, I dunno what to tell you.

[playa-hater]

Can we start a countdown to training camp opening day

so freakin slowww.

[redslastlaugh]

its been the loooonnngggest offseason ever, lol!

Can we start a countdown to training camp opening day

so freakin slowww.

[Hal14]

It's looking a lot like Anfernee Simons is going to be playing for the Celtics.


‪Bobby Krivitsky‬

This is strange, if true. How is he on the court with no press conference? I was told he was gone.

I mean, they didn't even give him any green shorts yet. If you can't read those tea leaves, I dunno what to tell you.

He's got a Celtics shirt on here

Read on Twitter

Wonder if our starting SG, starting SF and starting PF are in this vid..

[djFan71]

This is strange, if true. How is he on the court with no press conference? I was told he was gone.

I mean, they didn't even give him any green shorts yet. If you can't read those tea leaves, I dunno what to tell you.

He's got a Celtics shirt on here

Read on Twitter

You can buy those anywhere….

[playa-hater]

its been the loooonnngggest offseason ever, lol!

Can we start a countdown to training camp opening day

so freakin slowww.

Although I must admit, the "countdown" may make it feel even slowerrrr...

[bfchs123]

This isn't new but I really struggle with the big man rotation. None of these guys have ever been anywhere near starters. They must think pretty highly of Queta? Brad had to get rid of all of the good big men to force Joe to play Queta and Tillman - both those guys couldn't find any minutes at all in the playoffs even with KP unplayable for a good portion.

Queta: career high 14mpg
Garza: career high 12mpg (4 years ago)
Tillman: career high 20mpg
Amari: rookie

Where does 48mpg of center minutes come from? Even PF is extremely suspect without Tatum and though I like Boucher, he has never really cracked 20mpg either.

[Gant]

This isn't new but I really struggle with the big man rotation. None of these guys have ever been anywhere near starters. They must think pretty highly of Queta? Brad had to get rid of all of the good big men to force Joe to play Queta and Tillman - both those guys couldn't find any minutes at all in the playoffs even with KP unplayable for a good portion.

Queta: career high 14mpg
Garza: career high 12mpg (4 years ago)
Tillman: career high 20mpg
Amari: rookie

Where does 48mpg of center minutes come from? Even PF is extremely suspect without Tatum and though I like Boucher, he has never really cracked 20mpg either.

They are thin and without star power at 4 and 5. Queta can handle 30 minutes a game though and should be ok to good doing it. Boucher could play 25 or more, mostly at pf. He's very thin for center. Any injuries will be a problem unless Amari Williams is ready to contribute, which seems like a long shot judging by summer league.

The Celtics were 5-1 last season with Queta starting and averaging almost 25 minutes in those games. He's gotten better since, though the team is obviously weaker.

If things get bad they'll have to make a roster change.

[Hal14]

This isn't new but I really struggle with the big man rotation. None of these guys have ever been anywhere near starters. They must think pretty highly of Queta? Brad had to get rid of all of the good big men to force Joe to play Queta and Tillman - both those guys couldn't find any minutes at all in the playoffs even with KP unplayable for a good portion.

Queta: career high 14mpg
Garza: career high 12mpg (4 years ago)
Tillman: career high 20mpg
Amari: rookie

Where does 48mpg of center minutes come from? Even PF is extremely suspect without Tatum and though I like Boucher, he has never really cracked 20mpg either.

Tillman has started 72 games in his career (60 reg season, 12 in playoffs).

Queta averaged 30 MPG during his junior year of college.

Don't forget Boucher, who is more of a 4 but can play small ball 5. He has started 23 games in his career.

Garza averaged 32 MPG in his junior year of college.

I think it'll be something like:
Queta: 25 MPG
Garza: 19 MPG

Leaving 4 MPG for Boucher as a small ball 5.

Tillman and Amari will play sometimes too though, so there should be plenty of bodies to put in there and cover the 48 mins at the 5.

Also, it's not that big of an issue since we're not really trying to win this season. It's just about saving some $, developing our young guys, load managing our vets and maybe get lucky with a high draft pick.

[Shak_Celts]

On what Earth, there are many , has there been top talent at every position every season for the Celtics? I have been a fan since Shaq in 2011, we’ve had some of everybody at center. It’s as if some of you didn’t witness those season. On paper, all we really have now, we’ve had worse.

Is Queta worse than steisma? Wilcox, JaJuan Johnson, Mickey, Melo (RIP), etc. We’ve even had other guys who before Celtics happened to get the best out of them, no one knew or cared about them anymore. Our big man’s rotation has been worse.

This will be about Joe and how much these bigs want it. I’m just confused about people acting like we’ve always been top tier at every position. We have found a way to be a solid team with all types of players and lineups. Plenty of players left the Celtics and the NBA left them out after.

I’m not saying we’re going to be good at any position where we’re just dropping guys in, I’m simply saying, give it a chance because it’s been scarce a few times. We’ll find a way or we won’t, but at least it will be clear on where we need reinforcements or where we’re better off than what we thought.

[Celts17Pride]

Is Queta worse than steisma? Wilcox, JaJuan Johnson, Mickey, Melo (RIP), etc.

We hope not! I think Queta is going to have a big year.

[bucknersrevenge]

On what Earth, there are many , has there been top talent at every position every season for the Celtics? I have been a fan since Shaq in 2011, we’ve had some of everybody at center. It’s as if some of you didn’t witness those season. On paper, all we really have now, we’ve had worse.

Is Queta worse than steisma? Wilcox, JaJuan Johnson, Mickey, Melo (RIP), etc. We’ve even had other guys who before Celtics happened to get the best out of them, no one knew or cared about them anymore. Our big man’s rotation has been worse.

This will be about Joe and Joe much these bigs want it. I’m just confused about people acting like we’ve always been top tier at every position. We have found a way to be a solid team with all types of players and lineups. Plenty of players left the Celtics and the NBA left them out after.

I’m not saying we’re going to be good at any position where we’re just dropping guys in, I’m simply saying, give it a chance because it’s been scarce a few times. We’ll find a way or we won’t, but at least it will be clear on where we need reinforcements or where we’re better off than what we thought.

Agreed. This year is about an extended tryout for some guys. It's about having clarity by the end of the season. If it goes well, great. If not, we get a better pick. The ONLY way this season goes bad for Joe is if we look horrible doing it. Like disjointed on the court and in the lockerroom. Arguing, petty bickering. Guys not trying or asking out. If Joe were to lose the lockerroom, that would be bad. But barring that, this should be an interesting but chill season.

[Shak_Celts]

Is Queta worse than steisma? Wilcox, JaJuan Johnson, Mickey, Melo (RIP), etc.

We hope not! I think Queta is going to have a big year.

We could still bring over Colton Iverson.


S/N: is he retired? Where did he go? Is he still playing overseas??

[Dogen]

A big question that lingers in my mind... Will Xavier Tillman be on our roster come opening day, and if so, will he surprise us by being a contributor. He didn't see much floor time last year, and some have mentioned an issue with his knee. Has that all been resolved? Were there other issues? Is he toast? We could certainly use some shoring up at the PF spot, and given that, it is somewhat surprising that we have basically heard nothing regarding Tillman, his health, and the team's expectations about him going forward. The take away for me is that we should not be counting on Tillman, but my glass half-full side remains hopeful. I will add that putting him in a corner and kicking the ball out to him for a 3-point shot is NOT a good idea. Right, Joe?

I have seen more from Simons this offseason. I hope X is ready to put up, no shut up!!

X-man is sort of the X-Factor this camp, imo. I mean, all the talk is about Queta starting, and Tillman is considered undersized, but he did start for Memphis 2 years ago, and he's still only 26.

So it's all about the injury. Pre-knee Tillman was a good post defender who could rotate out and guard the perimeter. Good lateral movement and strong on the boards. That's all the team really needs from him. maybe a few put backs on offense and anything more he brings on that end is gravy.

Post-knee tillman has been a mystery. He fell off noticeably, and was barely noticeable as he barely played. Now we just need to find out if he has recovered enough to get back to where he was.

Yet, it's all quiet on the Tillman front. Perhaps that is by design, and Brad is being patient and seeing how X comes along. He's on a very friendly deal so there is no need to have high expectations. I'm ready to be pleasantly surprised.

[Parliament10]

Is Queta worse than steisma? Wilcox, JaJuan Johnson, Mickey, Melo (RIP), etc.

We hope not! I think Queta is going to have a big year.

We could still bring over Colton Iverson.


S/N: is he retired? Where did he go? Is he still playing overseas??

Lol. Point taken.
Colton Iverson played for the Celtics in Summer Leagues 2013 and 2014.

I don't think that he ever made a Regular Season NBA Squad?
He's 36 now, and stopped playing after the 2021-2022 Season.

[Parliament10]

A big question that lingers in my mind... Will Xavier Tillman be on our roster come opening day, and if so, will he surprise us by being a contributor. He didn't see much floor time last year, and some have mentioned an issue with his knee. Has that all been resolved? Were there other issues? Is he toast? We could certainly use some shoring up at the PF spot, and given that, it is somewhat surprising that we have basically heard nothing regarding Tillman, his health, and the team's expectations about him going forward. The take away for me is that we should not be counting on Tillman, but my glass half-full side remains hopeful. I will add that putting him in a corner and kicking the ball out to him for a 3-point shot is NOT a good idea. Right, Joe?

I have seen more from Simons this offseason. I hope X is ready to put up, no shut up!!

X-man is sort of the X-Factor this camp, imo. I mean, all the talk is about Queta starting, and Tillman is considered undersized, but he did start for Memphis 2 years ago, and he's still only 26.

So it's all about the injury. Pre-knee Tillman was a good post defender who could rotate out and guard the perimeter. Good lateral movement and strong on the boards. That's all the team really needs from him. maybe a few put backs on offense and anything more he brings on that end is gravy.

Post-knee tillman has been a mystery. He fell off noticeably, and was barely noticeable as he barely played. Now we just need to find out if he has recovered enough to get back to where he was.

Yet, it's all quiet on the Tillman front. Perhaps that is by design, and Brad is being patient and seeing how X comes along. He's on a very friendly deal so there is no need to have high expectations. I'm ready to be pleasantly surprised.

Tillman had to have been hampered by his Knee surgery, last Offseason (July 30, 2024). We'll see if he's good to go.
He was very switchable on Defense, before his Knee began swelling, in our Championship Season.

[redslastlaugh]

I'm starting to get excited about these reports of players working out in the Auerbach Center ahead of training camp opening in less than two weeks. Now that Simons hasn't been traded, I'm starting to get excited about this team.

In particular I'm excited about 3 things:

1. Young guys we've drafted in the last 3 yrs (Baylor, Walsh, Hugo, Amari & Shulga) I think will get a chance to play this season, and it's been several seasons since we've had minutes for young guys
2. The T'Wolves we brought over. Minott has been really productive in very limited minutes, over 3.5 stocks per 36 in his career. And Garza has NBA offensive potential and just hasn't got a long look. Super excited to see if one of these guys sticks
3. A new frontcourt. I'm over any frustration that Luke, KP & Al moved on. I am now into full excitement mode of seeing an entirely fresh frontcourt. Remember when Al left after 2019, we patched together a center rotation of Enes Kanter, Daniel Theis, Grant Williams and Rob Williams and made a run to the conference Finals in the bubble when nobody thought we had the horses upfront. I'm excited for an entirely new center group!

[Fierce1]

Celtics will be playing like the Pacers this season.

The pace will be faster and there will be more cutting and drives to the basket.

[Jammer]

I'm gonna just guess the minutes distribution factoring in the deeper bench. Assumes they don't play more than 10 guys in a regular season game. If they do, the tank is on.

PG: Pritch 32 / Anfernee Simons 16

SG: Derrick White 34 / Simons 14

SF: Jaylen Brown 36 / Sam Hauser 12

PF: Chris Boucher 28 / Sam Hauser 10 / Josh Minott 10

Center: Neemias Queta 30 / Luke Garza 18

That's a 9 Man rotation.

Leaves out Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman (somehow I think Joe will get him in), Jordan Walsh (if he makes roster and plays, proof they are angling for a Top 5 pick) and Xavier Tillman (essentially an undersized 3rd string center who didn't look like he had his legs last year). I think that this is Tillman's last season on an NBA Team, even though he actually played meaningful minutes in the playoffs during the Celtics Championship season (before his knee surgery).

If Queta gets in foul trouble, his minutes could go down.

If Boucher isn't as impactful as hoped, Josh Minott could be the beneficiary.