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The Boston Celtics will open the 2026-27 NBA season without Jaylen Brown for the first time since selecting him in the 2016 NBA Draft. The former All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks and two second-round picks. The blockbuster move officially ended Brown's decade-long run in Boston and immediately created questions about how the Celtics will construct their new starting lineup.
Paul George Gives Boston an Immediate Replacement for Jaylen Brown
The most obvious change to Boston's starting five is Paul George stepping into the role previously occupied by Brown. George brings nine All-Star selections, extensive playoff experience and a proven ability to operate as both a scorer and perimeter defender. His arrival gives the Celtics an experienced wing who can complement Jayson Tatum while helping the team remain competitive after losing one of its most important players.
The projected backcourt should continue to feature Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, two players who have become increasingly important to Boston's identity. White provides perimeter defense, shooting and secondary playmaking, while Pritchard has developed into a dynamic offensive option. Their roles become even more important following Brown's departure because the Celtics will need more consistent production from multiple players rather than relying on a traditional two-star structure.
Tatum remains the centerpiece of the roster and should return to the starting lineup at power forward after missing most of the 2025-26 regular season with injury. His return represents the most important internal development for Boston, as the franchise will be counting on its six-time All-Star to lead the team into a new era. The Celtics still finished 56-26 and won the Atlantic Division despite Tatum missing the first 62 games, demonstrating that the roster can compete at a high level even through significant adversity.
The biggest question is at center, where Boston has multiple possibilities. Neemias Queta emerged as a significant contributor in 2025-26, averaging 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks while starting 75 of his 76 games. The Celtics rewarded his development with a four-year, $56 million contract, making him one of the most logical candidates to anchor the starting frontcourt.
Mitchell Robinson Could Change the Celtics’ Starting Five
Boston also added Mitchell Robinson, who was a key part of the New York Knicks' championship run. Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 60 regular-season games during the 2025-26 season, primarily serving as Karl-Anthony Towns' backup. His defensive instincts and rebounding could make him an important addition to a Celtics team looking for interior toughness.
That creates the central lineup debate: should Queta start at center, or should Robinson receive the opening-night assignment? Queta's offensive development and continuity with Boston give him a strong case, while Robinson's defensive impact and playoff experience could make him particularly valuable against bigger Eastern Conference opponents. The answer could ultimately depend on matchups rather than a permanent hierarchy.
A potential starting five of Pritchard, White, George, Tatum and Queta would give Boston a balanced combination of shooting, playmaking and size. George would assume a significant portion of the offensive responsibility previously carried by Brown, while Tatum would remain the team's primary star. White and Pritchard could provide complementary scoring and ballhandling, allowing Boston to maintain a versatile offensive structure.
The Celtics' offseason has clearly been about reconstruction rather than a simple one-for-one replacement. Brown's departure was followed by other major changes, including Nikola Vučević's move to Orlando and the addition of Robinson, while Boston also retained Queta on a long-term contract. The organization is therefore entering the new season with a substantially different frontcourt and supporting cast around Tatum.
The most likely starting lineup may ultimately be obvious on paper, but the Celtics still have several decisions to make before the season begins. George and Tatum appear to be the clear starting forwards, while White and Pritchard remain strong options in the backcourt. The center position is the only real question, with Queta and Robinson offering different strengths and potentially splitting responsibilities depending on the opponent.
For Boston, the post-Brown era will be defined by whether this new lineup can preserve the team's championship ambitions. Brown was one of the franchise's defining players for a decade, helping the Celtics win the 2024 NBA championship and reach sustained levels of success. Replacing his production will require a collective effort, but if George fits alongside Tatum and the Celtics maximize their center rotation, the new-look starting five could give Boston a legitimate foundation for another deep playoff run.
