The Boston Celtics have undergone a seismic shift in their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season, with their bench receiving a dramatic overhaul that could redefine their championship aspirations. While the departure of key players like Marcus Smart, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet has raised eyebrows, the Celtics’ front office appears to be quietly assembling a second unit with the potential to dominate. This strategic retooling, paired with a reshuffled starting lineup, signals a bold plan to maintain Boston’s elite status despite significant losses.
The Celtics waved goodbye to backup center Luke Kornet, who inked a one-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, and traded away deep-bench point guard JD Davison in a cost-cutting move. Veteran big man Al Horford, a free agent, remains unsigned, with rumors swirling about a potential move to the Golden State Warriors as a 3-and-D starting center. However, the Warriors’ ongoing negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga have stalled any immediate deal.
In their place, Boston has added dynamic talent to bolster their reserves. The headline acquisition is guard Anfernee Simons, acquired in the trade that sent Holiday and Porzingis packing. Simons, a high-octane scorer, could challenge Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard for the starting point guard role—or even share the backcourt with him, creating a small but explosive lineup. The Celtics also signed forwards Chris Boucher and Josh Minott, along with center Luka Garza, to veteran’s minimum deals, injecting versatility and hunger into the roster. These moves suggest Boston is crafting a second unit designed to overwhelm opponents with speed, shooting, and relentless energy.
The loss of six-time All-Star Jayson Tatum to a season-ending Achilles tendon tear is a devastating blow, but head coach Joe Mazzulla is no stranger to adapting under pressure. With only two returning starters from the 2024-25 season—two-time All-Defensive Team guard Derrick White and four-time All-Star wing Jaylen Brown—Mazzulla faces critical decisions. Known for his love of 3-and-D systems, Mazzulla is likely to lean on new faces to fill the voids.
Chris Boucher, a rangy forward with a knack for spacing the floor and disrupting passing lanes, seems a natural fit to start at power forward. At center, former fourth-stringer Neemias Queta could step into a starting role, bringing size and rim protection to a lineup that needs both. Payton Pritchard, with his deep system knowledge and clutch scoring, is the frontrunner to start at point guard, while Derrick White holds down the shooting guard spot and Jaylen Brown remains the cornerstone at small forward.
This lineup prioritizes defensive tenacity and perimeter shooting, aligning with Mazzulla’s philosophy. However, the potential for a smaller backcourt featuring both Pritchard and Simons could create matchup nightmares for opponents, trading size for offensive firepower.
If Pritchard secures the starting point guard role, Anfernee Simons becomes the linchpin of Boston’s bench, offering an electrifying scoring punch. Simons’ ability to create his own shot and stretch defenses with his shooting could make him one of the league’s most dangerous sixth men. Sam Hauser, a sharpshooting wing, is poised to see increased minutes, providing floor-spacing consistency off the bench.
The competition for the eighth-man spot is fierce. Luka Garza, with his bruising interior presence, and Josh Minott, an athletic forward with upside, will battle for rotation minutes. Meanwhile, young prospects Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh could emerge as regular-season contributors, adding depth and unpredictability to the roster. This revamped second unit has the potential to be a “killing machine”—a relentless group capable of swinging games with their energy, versatility, and scoring.
While the departures of Smart, Holiday, Porzingis, and others mark the end of an era, the Celtics’ front office has made it clear they’re not rebuilding—they’re reloading. By blending proven veterans, high-upside youngsters, and a superstar like Jaylen Brown, Boston is positioning itself to remain a contender. The question now is whether Mazzulla can harness this new-look roster’s potential, particularly its bench, to dominate the regular season and make noise in the playoffs.
The Celtics’ silent plan is coming into focus: a second unit built to overwhelm, paired with a starting five that balances grit and skill. If this gamble pays off, Boston could once again hoist a championship banner—this time, powered by a bench that refuses to be outworked.