Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum spent his summer on the golf course, a lighthearted revelation as the team processes a significant roster change and a difficult playoff loss. The Celtics' offseason was defined by the controversial trade of Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers, the same team that eliminated them from the playoffs on May 2, 2026, with a final score of 100-109.
What did Jayson Tatum say about his summer?
On Monday, the Celtics organization used social media to ask players about their offseason activities. The first and most succinct reply came from their franchise player. Tatum answered with a single word: "Golfing 🤣." The team's social media account responded, "Should’ve known 😂." This exchange offered a moment of levity for a fan base still adjusting to a new-look roster.
While many players echoed Tatum's golf-centric summer, some provided more detailed glimpses. Center Neemias Queta shared a collage of his travels, and forward Sam Hauser showed off a new lawnmower. The team's effort to highlight these personal moments is a clear attempt to shift focus toward the players who remain on the roster.
Why is this offseason so key for the Boston Celtics?
The mood around the Celtics has been complex since early July. General Manager Brad Stevens executed a blockbuster trade, sending guard Jaylen Brown to the division-rival Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for forward Paul George and draft picks. Tatum had spent his entire nine-year NBA career alongside Brown, making his departure a seismic shift.
Boston's recent form adds to the challenge. Their last five games, including the playoff series, show a record of 2 wins and 3 losses (LLLWW). They lost the final three games of their season, culminating in that defeat to the 76ers. With Brown's scoring and playmaking gone, other players must raise their games. Payton Pritchard, who averaged 17.0 points per game last season, is one candidate for a larger role.
Who needs to step up for the Celtics next season?
Derrick White returns as a defensive anchor after earning All-Defensive First Team honors in 2026. His perimeter defense will be more important than ever. The acquisition of Paul George brings a veteran scorer and defender, but integrating him into the system is the big task for the coaching staff. Pritchard's continued development is also a major factor for the team's backcourt depth.
The pressure isn't just on the players. The front office, led by Stevens, will be watched closely to see how this revised roster performs. Fans will be analyzing every game on the new schedule, which you can track on our schedule page. The core question is whether this reshaped group can contend in an Eastern Conference that saw them fall short last spring.
What's next for Boston?
Training camp and preseason games will provide the first real look at the revamped Celtics. How Paul George fits alongside Tatum in the frontcourt is the primary storyline. The team's identity, once built around the Tatum-Brown duo, now requires a new foundation. Players like White and Pritchard are expected to handle more offensive responsibility.
For now, the organization is using moments like Tatum's golf post to maintain connection with fans. It’s a brief respite before the serious work of the new NBA season begins. The Celtics aim to turn the page from a tough ending and build momentum with their current squad, hoping the changes lead to a deeper playoff run.
