The Celtics are weighing a tanking scenario for next season after a summer of cap-light departures and the hunt for cost-controlled depth. Boston trimmed payroll to dodge the second luxury tax apron while bringing in Luka Garza and Josh Minott to plug holes, and the core of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard remains in the rotation. Depth in the frontcourt is a concern, which could temper the team’s ceiling on defense if the bench can’t hold up.

A recent Above The Banners episode floated the idea of surrendering competitiveness for a lottery ticket in a 2026 class poised to be strong. Selling Mazzulla and the Celtics’ core on that plan would be tough, but the arithmetic of tax lines and rebuild timelines makes it plausible to consider a longer view. Whether Boston actually commits to a tank or not, the roster shift and development of Garza and Minott will shape fantasy angles all season long.

Even if tanking remains unlikely, fantasy managers should watch how Garza’s frontcourt timeline unfolds and how Minott’s wingspan translates to minutes. With Brown, White, and Pritchard as anchors, upside may hinge on the new pieces maturing quickly and the defense holding up as depth evolves, yielding interesting mid-to-late round opportunities.

The Celtics face a recalibration after trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to trim payroll under the second apron, replacing them with Luka Garza and Josh Minott. Boston isn’t aiming for a full rebuild, but the roster shift signals a tighter ceiling. A CLNS Media discussion frames Boston as unlikely to finish at the Eastern Conference’s very top yet not destined for a total tank, positioning them somewhere in the middle as the 2025-26 season unfolds.

Key constants remain: Jaylen Brown and Derrick White anchor the lineup, with Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser providing floor spacing and depth. The hypothetical addition of Anfernee Simons and the impact of Garza and Minott on rotations inject uncertainty, balancing veteran reliability with youth upside. Overall, Boston projects to hover between the East’s elite and its fringe, pending development and cohesion from the new pieces.

The Boston Celtics are organizing for a future-focused 2025-26 season after a busy off-season that shaved payroll by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, let Luke Kornet walk, and moved Al Horford out while JD Davison was released to clear the second apron. The new look blends 2025 draftees Hugo Gonzalez, Amari Williams, and Max Shulga with signings Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, Josh Minott, and a swap that brought Anfernee Simons to the fold. The roster will feel unrecognizable by default, with a mix of young talents and veteran pieces aimed beyond the present.

A Sly Kai clip previewing the 2025-26 Celtics roster hints at a longer-term blueprint, not a quick return to contention. Fantasy players should monitor how quickly the newcomers earn minutes behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, how Garza and Williams carve out roles, and whether Simons anchors the second unit scoring. The evolution could redefine fantasy value across the rotation.

The Boston Celtics are looking to rejuvenate their frontcourt with Luka Garza, who recently signed a multi-year contract after spending time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Garza, once a prolific scorer at Iowa, struggled to find his place in the NBA, particularly due to defensive limitations and shooting inconsistencies. However, Boston’s coaching staff sees potential in him to adapt to their offensive scheme, which emphasizes versatile big men capable of spacing the floor.

Garza's scoring prowess could complement the Celtics' system if he can refine his three-point shot and improve defensively. His performance in Minnesota showcased flashes of his potential, and with the right guidance, he could become a valuable contributor to Boston's title aspirations.