SportsEthos 2026 Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide

Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide 2026: Boston Celtics Team Preview

By Mike Passador Published August 30, 2026 2 min read

How’d We Get Here?

The Celtics were expected to take a step back last season and they ultimately did, but the fashion in which they got there changed the franchise for years to come. The “gap year” concept went straight into the bin as the Celtics kept winning and winning and winning some more even as Jayson Tatum nursed his torn Achilles. Jaylen Brown and the rest of the crew held it down and then some, and with Tatum suddenly having a real reason to get back on the court the Celtics looked like a legitimate title contender. Brown got some MVP buzz and the Celtics hit the postseason at full strength, only to suffer an embarrassing 3-1 series collapse vs. the Sixers in the first round. With Brown seemingly displeased about how things went down — between his perceived lack of recognition and some veiled shots at Tatum and the organization — the Celtics decided to move him within-division to Philadelphia for a shockingly light package of Paul George and draft picks. The Celtics are betting that George’s off-ball defense and 3-point shooting will make up for Brown’s analytically unfriendly style of scoring, all while avoiding the gargantuan contract that Brown is sure to demand in the near future. Boston spent to pry Mitchell Robinson away from the division rival Knicks and otherwise focused their attention on keeping the house in order, extending Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh and Ron Harper Jr. to hold down rotation roles. Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell joined via the draft and the Celtics are betting that a new-look roster with a cleaner fit and less long-term financial commitment will keep them competitive. There’s a risk that the Brown trade blows up in their face immediately but Boston has earned the right to bet on its remaining core, coaching staff and developmental environment.

For a full recap of last season to set the table, check out our Boston Celtics Season Wrap!

The Boston Celtics Season Wrap

Offseason Moves

Arrivals: Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, Mike Conley
Rookie Arrivals: Chris Cenac Jr. (No. 27), Dillon Mitchell (No. 40)
Departures: Jaylen Brown, Nikola Vucevic, Dalano Banton, John Tonje, Max Shulga
Retained: Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper Jr., Amari Williams

Depth Chart and Minutes Per Game

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About the Author

SportsEthos Contributor

Mike Passador

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Mike graduated from Boston University's Dual Degree Program with a BA in Economics and a BS in Business with Concentrations in Marketing and Operations Management. He is a faithful supporter of Toronto sports and the Detroit Lions and is always ready to be let down. Tweet to him @Mike_Pandador, but if you badmouth Jose Calderon you might get blocked.

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