Celtics Enter Camp with Roster Spot Open After George-Brown

Boston enters training camp with one standard roster spot unclaimed after acquiring Paul George and losing Jaylen Brown in a trade. Brown is now in Philadelphia, while the 36-year-old George is in Boston as the Celtics prepare to defend their 2024 title. Media Day is next week.

Stevens Acknowledges Need to Reshape Tatum-Brown Duo

Celtics President Brad Stevens agreed with critics that the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown duo needed to be broken up.

George Brings Veteran Presence but Comes with Age and Contract Questions

Paul George is considered a sure-thing addition, but he carries an asterisk due to his age and contract situation. George could decline his player option and sign a longer-term deal for lower annual dollars. On nights when healthy, Tatum, George, and Derrick White are locks to start. The team's other sure things, according to the analysis, include White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Mitchell Robinson.

Queta should have the inside track at the starting center spot after earning a new deal this summer. Robinson, also now in Boston, gives the team a second real center and a dedicated offensive rebounder.

Role Players and Depth Key to Mitigating Veteran Reliance

The Celtics may need to rely on youth and depth players to handle the season. Rookie Chris Cenac Jr., who joined through the draft, could get occasional starts to fill in for Paul George. Dillon Mitchell is another rookie added via the draft.

Derrick White's shooting may improve playing alongside Jayson Tatum, but there is a consideration that his footspeed may decline with age. Mitchell Robinson's presence is noted in relation to managing health and rest needs for players like Tatum. Veteran Mike Conley is beginning his 20th year, adding to the experienced core.

Trade Assets and Optionality Shape Future Flexibility

Boston holds significant optionality from its summer moves. This flexibility could allow the team to flip Paul George and draft capital for another star, or break George's contract into smaller pieces for role players. Sam Hauser is seen as the most easily moved player with value at a position of strength and depth.

A Hauser trade is considered possible only if the Celtics get back value, likely at the trade deadline. Regarding Payton Pritchard, who started plenty last season, the analysis suggests he deserves to start if he wants to but thinks his best role is as a sixth-man initiator. Head coach Joe Mazzulla can probably write these seven names in pen. As one observer noted, "To me, it feels like Hauser probably has the most fragile grip on 'sure thing' status here."

Brad Stevens spent part of July locking up several young players already in the system, and five players are coming in on Exhibit 10 deals. Paul George won’t be expected to replicate Brown’s game. More thoughts are planned after Media Day next week.