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The Boston Celtics will look very different when the 2026-27 NBA season tips off. After trading longtime star Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks, Boston begins a new era centered on Jayson Tatum. With Tatum back after recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon that sidelined him for much of last season, the Celtics' championship hopes now depend on how quickly their revamped lineup develops chemistry.
Boston’s Ideal Starting Five Is Already Taking Shape
Tatum is an automatic starter and remains the franchise’s unquestioned leader. Alongside him, Paul George is expected to step directly into the starting lineup after arriving in the blockbuster trade. While George is no longer at the peak of his career, he still provides elite perimeter shooting, defensive versatility, and veteran leadership that should fit seamlessly into Boston’s system.
In the backcourt, Derrick White should continue as a starter despite an inconsistent 2025-26 campaign. His defensive instincts and ability to play both guard positions remain invaluable. Next to him, Payton Pritchard appears ready to reclaim a full-time starting role after delivering the best season of his career, giving Boston additional shot creation, floor spacing, and true point guard play.
At center, Neemias Queta has earned the opportunity to open the season with the first unit. Although the Celtics added Mitchell Robinson during the offseason, Queta’s steady development, durability, and growing confidence make him the safer option to begin games, while Robinson’s health concerns could lead Boston to manage his workload carefully throughout the season.
Even if Queta starts, Robinson is expected to play a significant role because of his elite rebounding and rim protection. The Celtics will likely rotate both centers depending on matchups, preserving Robinson for high-impact stretches while allowing Queta to continue his emergence as a dependable two-way contributor.
Boston also has flexibility if it decides to make changes on the wing. Should the coaching staff prefer to move Derrick White to point guard, Payton Pritchard could shift back into a reserve role, opening a starting spot for Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, or promising rookie Hugo Gonzalez. Scheierman offers polished offensive skills, while Gonzalez brings intriguing defensive upside and long-term potential.
The Celtics may have lost one of their franchise cornerstones in Brown, but they still possess enough talent to remain among the Eastern Conference contenders. If Tatum returns to his All-NBA form, George delivers consistent production, and Boston’s young supporting cast continues to improve, this retooled starting lineup could quickly become one of the NBA’s most balanced and dangerous groups.
