The Boston Celtics are heading into the 2026-27 NBA regular season in an unusual spot, facing questions about their identity for the first time in a decade without star forward Jaylen Brown. The "Also Rusty Buckets" YouTube channel recently explored this new era for the storied franchise, questioning how the roster will perform.
What does the new Celtics roster look like?
This iteration of the Celtics features a significant shift. Jayson Tatum remains as the central figure, but he's now joined by veteran additions Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, and Mike Conley. The team finished second in the Eastern Conference last season, but Brown's absence creates a major scoring and defensive hole. Analysts are trying to project if this new mix of talent will gel effectively on both the perimeter and in the paint.
George brings elite two-way play and shooting, while Robinson offers rim protection and rebounding. Conley provides steady point guard leadership. You can track the team's availability and performance on our injuries and stats pages throughout the year.
Can this team be better than last season's?
It's a complex equation. The Celtics' ceiling depends heavily on the availability and synergy of Tatum, George, Robinson, and Conley. Offensively, they must find a new rhythm without Brown's 25-plus points per game. Defensively, integrating Robinson's shot-blocking with the existing scheme will be key.
Playoff performance is the ultimate metric. The core's experience is undeniable, but how they execute in high-pressure postseason moments against younger, athletic teams is not yet clear. The Eastern Conference is always competitive, and regular-season success doesn't guarantee a deep playoff run.
What are the biggest challenges ahead?
Integrating four new starters, or at least major rotation pieces, is the primary challenge. Head coach Joe Mazzulla must establish roles and offensive sets that maximize Tatum and George as scorers while keeping Conley and Robinson engaged. Managing minutes for veteran players to ensure peak health for the playoffs is another critical task.
They'll need to develop resilience quickly. Their upcoming schedule will provide early tests for this reconfigured squad. Chemistry doesn't happen overnight, and early struggles could test the group's confidence.
The 2026-27 season is a pivot point for the Celtics. They're betting that veteran savvy and star power can overcome the loss of a homegrown All-Star. The answers will start to unfold when the regular season tips off, defining a new chapter for one of the NBA's most historic franchises.