The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, are set to begin their title defense in the 2024-25 season with a largely unchanged roster. The team prioritized retaining key players through re-signings and draft picks.
Derrick White and Jayson Tatum were re-signed by the Celtics, ensuring that the core of their championship team remains intact. Baylor Scheierman was drafted with the 30th overall pick in the NBA Draft, adding depth to their roster.
The Celtics will start the season as defending champions and are expected to be strong contenders once again. However, Kristaps Porzingis' injury history may impact his availability during the regular season. Al Horford's age could also limit his minutes.
Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser will continue to have significant roles in the Celtics rotation, providing valuable scoring and playmaking off the bench. Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman are expected to see increased playing time due to Porzingis' injury and Horford's age.
Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman are intriguing prospects who could potentially earn playing time if they perform well during training camp or in preseason games. Jaden Springer, a recent acquisition, may face challenges to secure a spot on the roster due to the team's depth.
The Celtics received high marks for their offseason moves, with Bleacher Report giving them an 'A' grade. The team extended contracts for Derrick White and Jayson Tatum, making them expensive moving forward but signaling their commitment to chasing titles.
