Of course, the Celtics are still not at the necessary level to be viewed as a contending team. In fact, they're at least one elite-level player and a Jayson Tatum return away from being back to the necessary skill level of a contending roster.

The former Celtics big man will have to work his way into Portland’s rotation. The Blazers have leaned on Donovan Clingan as their starter thus far, with Duop Reath and first-round pick Yang Hansen coming off the bench. It’s unclear how Williams fits in the front court, but getting him back on the court is still a positive sign.

In truth, Mazzulla has a difficult task at hand. Achieving so many goals at the same time won't be easy, especially as the Celtics could also face the allure of entertaining a tanking season. After all, Boston does possess its own draft pick, and the 2026 draft projects to be both deep and awash with elite-level talent near the top of the lottery.

The red-hot Philadelphia 76ers put a perfect record on the line Friday night as they welcome Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics in the group stage of the 2025-’26 NBA Cup.

Josh Minott felt like he was everywhere as the Celtics beat the Cavaliers, and it appears Boston might've found something in the wing.

Headlined by AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer, non-contending teams around the league will undoubtedly be tempted by the notion of tanking for a potential lottery pick. The Boston Celtics could be one of those franchises,