The Boston Celtics are set to rely heavily on Payton Pritchard this season after a remarkable 2024-25 campaign where he averaged 14.3 points per game with strong shooting splits. With recent trades involving key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and potential moves involving Anfernee Simons and Sam Hauser, the Celtics are undergoing significant changes. Without these veterans, Pritchard's scoring and playmaking abilities will become crucial for the team’s success.

Having been named the Sixth Man of the Year last season, Pritchard enters this season as a frontrunner to claim the title again, with the best odds of 4/1. However, questions linger about whether he will maintain his role off the bench or step up as a starter alongside Derrick White. The upcoming decisions could reshape the Celtics' backcourt and their overall strategy.

The Atlanta Hawks are actively reshaping their roster to support star guard Trae Young in a quest for playoff redemption after two consecutive missed postseason appearances. Recently, they traded for All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics, signaling a commitment to strengthening their frontcourt. Reports indicate that the Hawks are pursuing veteran center Al Horford, who is currently a free agent and considering retirement. With a history in Atlanta, where he spent most of his prime years, Horford's potential return could provide crucial experience and leadership. He averaged 14.3 points and 8.9 rebounds during his nine seasons with the Hawks, making him an ideal fit for a team looking to re-establish itself as a playoff contender.

Horford's family ties to Atlanta may give the Hawks an edge in negotiations, especially as he weighs offers from the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, while balancing family commitments with the impending birth of his sixth child. This pivotal moment in Horford's career comes as the Hawks aim to elevate their performance and challenge for a playoff spot once again.

Kristaps Porzingis made a significant impact during his time with the Boston Celtics, contributing to their success and helping them secure the elusive Banner 18. After joining from the Washington Wizards, he showcased his skills on the court, despite battling injuries over his two seasons. As the Celtics navigate their roster and salary cap complexities, he has now been traded to the Atlanta Hawks, marking a new chapter in his career.

Porzingis’ tenure with Boston saw numerous standout moments, and fans can reminisce about his best plays thanks to a highlight reel compiled by Timi Kordylewski. While his departure is bittersweet, the Celtics' focus shifts towards future strategies as they adapt to the NBA's evolving landscape.

The Boston Celtics are undergoing a significant transformation this offseason, a change prompted by their disappointing playoff exit last season. The recent trades of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, alongside the likely departures of Luke Kornet and Al Horford, could see the team lose nearly half of its rotation. Compounding these challenges is Jayson Tatum's recovery from injury, raising concerns about Boston's competitiveness in the upcoming season.

The Celtics' ability to secure a playoff spot is uncertain, especially with other teams like the Toronto Raptors stepping up their strategies. Raptors star Brandon Ingram expressed confidence about his team's playoff chances, signaling fierce competition ahead. With Jaylen Brown and Derrick White at the forefront, the Celtics hope to stay in contention, but their path remains fraught with challenges.

The Boston Celtics are facing a challenging offseason after parting ways with franchise icon Al Horford, who played a pivotal role in their pursuit of an NBA championship. With Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear marring their title defense last season, the Celtics saw significant changes in their roster, including the exit of key players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Although Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White remain, the likelihood of Horford returning seems slim. Speculation surrounds the Golden State Warriors as a potential destination for him, with insights from Bleacher Report suggesting he could excel as their starting center. For Celtics fans, Horford's departure marks a painful chapter in their ongoing quest for another championship.