Boston faces a reshaped frontcourt after Al Horford signs with Golden State, leaving depth thin behind Chris Boucher, Luke Garza, and Neemias Queta. Porzingis is traded, heightening the need for a rim protector. Utah’s Walker Kessler emerges as a realistic deadline target for a Celtics squad two years removed from a title. A first-round pick plus matching salary could land a starting-caliber center and unlock Boston’s defensive ceiling in a crowded East.

Okongwu cemented his starting role last season, space the floor with 3s, and show solid playmaking and defense. The Hawks add Porzingis, creating versatile two big lineups and new spacing for Okongwu to thrive. Expect a familiar 13–14 PPG with 8–9 RPG and continued growth as a shooter and connector, keeping fantasy value high as lineup flexibility increases.

The big question is how minutes and roles shift with Porzingis. If Snyder deploys multiple lineups, Okongwu can stay on the floor longer in key stretches, while still serving as a switchable defender and floor spacer. Fantasy upside rests on continued shooting growth and improved offense from playmaking and cutting.

Five players sit on the boom-or-bust edge for 9-category fantasy basketball: Kawhi Leonard, Lauri Markkanen, Kristaps Porzingis, Michael Porter Jr., and RJ Barrett. Each carries big upside tied to durability, role and team context, yet all come with meaningful injury or usage questions that could swing value week to week. Leonard’s health history clashes with elite per-game numbers; Markkanen’s efficiency and late-season vacancy raise flags; Porzingis’ illness history and position flexibility complicate minutes; Porter Jr.’s fit on the Nets and potential rest days loom; Barrett’s counting stats surged but could stall if Ingram/Quickley stay healthy and workload shifts occur.

ADP signals will shape drafts, making this a year to weigh upside against staying power and roster depth. The key is mapping weeks when each player is likely to be active and planning contingencies for rest or trades. This boom-or-bust mix promises dramatic swings in 9-category leagues, demanding sharp rostering and proactive fallbacks.