Without JT, a Celtics veteran shifts into a larger on-court role and vows to push tempo, sticking to a confident, self-directed approach while sidestepping media chatter about 1A/1B dynamics. He notes the difference JT’s absence creates but remains focused on his own identity and pace.

Conversations with Joe Mazzulla frame a plan to play faster and embrace a pace-forward offense. Indiana and Oklahoma City are cited as proof that the league is trending toward speed, signaling fantasy-friendly opportunities as the Celtics test a quicker rhythm this season.

Jaylen Brown steps into the lead role with Tatum sidelined, carrying a heavy usage load but facing efficiency and turnover questions that cap upside. Boston’s center rotation remains muddled as Porzingis exits (to Atlanta) and Horford/Drew Holiday return, making mid-round value hard to pin down. Derek White pops as a durable supportive target, while Payton Pritchard and Anthony Simons vie for secondary ball handling and scoring with big swings in minutes. Sam Hauser provides floor spacing though minutes remain volatile; draft strategy should emphasize upside within a clarified guard rotation and contend with a crowded frontcourt.

The Celtics’ win projection sits around a mid-40s total, with FanDuel’s 42.5 line drawing attention to the balance of risk and upside. In this environment, late-round gambles on White and Hauser offer steadiness, while Brown’s ceiling hinges on how Boston mitigates the absence of Tatum and how aggressively the new pieces fit around him. The narrative centers on opportunistic rosters that can capitalize on gradual usage shifts and minutes).