The Boston Celtics don’t need a seismic blockbuster to reclaim the NBA’s throne. While some have floated the idea of a massive swing — perhaps even a headline-grabbing pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo — the franchise’s clearest path to Banner 19 runs through continuity at the top and precision surgery around the edges.
The Celtics already possess a proven championship core. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have shown they can lead a title-winning roster when surrounded by the right complementary pieces. Tatum’s return from a torn Achilles offered even more reassurance: despite playing at roughly 80-85% capacity with one leg still noticeably smaller, he performed at an elite level. In exit interviews, Tatum struck a balance between gratitude and quiet confidence.
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“All things considered, for me to even be able to come back and play and play at the level I was playing at, even at 80-85%… I get a long offseason to really get back to 110 percent,” he said. “I’m proud of the fact I was able to prove to myself that I can still play this game at a very, very high level, even not being 100 percent of myself. Checking that box off mentally… Now, I’ve proven it.”
With a fully healthy Tatum expected next season, Boston’s ceiling rises considerably. President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens reinforced this measured approach during his end-of-season press conference. While acknowledging the need for greater rim impact and easier first-shot creation, Stevens emphasized building the best sustainable team possible and improving “around the margins.” No wholesale teardown. No star-for-star upheaval.
That philosophy points directly to two high-impact, under-the-radar additions that could transform the Celtics from contenders into favorites.
First: Infusing energy and creation off the bench with Collin Sexton
Inserting Payton Pritchard into the starting lineup would inject speed and dynamism into Boston’s first unit, creating more off-ball opportunities for Tatum, Brown, and Derrick White. That shift opens the perfect role for a spark-plug sixth man who plays with relentless intensity.
Collin Sexton fits that mold perfectly. The guard averaged career highs in scoring efficiency and brought serious interior punch, tallying 6.6 points in the paint per game (42.5% of his scoring). His career numbers — 18.3 points, 3.6 assists, and nearly 1.0 steals per game, plus 38.9% shooting from three on 3.9 attempts — make him an ideal fit. A signing using the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (roughly $15 million) appears realistic and would deliver instant energy, downhill attacking, and reliable catch-and-shoot gravity off the bench.
Second: Fortifying the center position with elite size and skill
Boston’s biggest area for improvement lies in the frontcourt, particularly at center. Two realistic targets stand out: Isaiah Hartenstein and Mitchell Robinson.
Hartenstein, currently with the Oklahoma City Thunder, brings modern center versatility. His passing, dribble-hand-offs, and screening would elevate the Celtics’ half-court offense, while his finishing (especially floaters) and rebounding (3.2 offensive boards per game) add physicality. Defensively, he anchored a stingy unit with a 103.2 defensive rating and allowed the fewest points in the paint per game among qualifying centers. At 28 and in his prime, he would form a formidable 1-2 punch alongside Neemias Queta. Boston could pursue him via its $27.7 million traded player exception if OKC declines to retain him amid looming extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Alternatively, prying Mitchell Robinson away from the New York Knicks would represent a major coup. Robinson dominated the glass with 8.8 rebounds per game (4.2 offensive) and offers elite rim protection (1.2 blocks per game this season, 1.7 for his career). His physical screening and lob threat would create new dimensions for Boston’s perimeter stars and complement Queta beautifully.
Either big — paired with Sexton — would address Stevens’ stated priorities without sacrificing long-term flexibility or chemistry.
These moves may not generate the same immediate buzz as a superstar trade, but they represent the smartest, most sustainable path forward. They keep the Tatum-Brown duo intact, maximize the growth of an already championship-caliber core, and add exactly the toughness, depth, and interior presence the roster needs.
With a fully healthy Jayson Tatum leading the charge and these targeted reinforcements in place, the Celtics wouldn’t just be hoping for Banner 19 — they would be built to deliver it. The duck boats could very well be rolling down Boylston Street once again next June.