The Celtics are coming off a 56-26 campaign in 2025-26, but this is a totally different group now.
After a 56-26 regular season and a first-round playoff elimination last season, the Boston Celtics begin their 2026-27 quest on Tuesday when they start training camp.
And while these Celtics are expected to be good, it's certainly a different version of the C's, who have welcomed in Mitchell Robinson, Mike Conley and Paul George, while also saying goodbye to All-NBA player Jaylen Brown.
There is excitement, but there are also questions for the group - and head coach Joe Mazzulla.
Here are three we've got about the Celtics heading into camp.
1) How will the big man rotation shake out?
Boston has four capable big men on its roster, but how exactly will Mazzulla deploy them? Robinson signed a three-year deal worth nearly $50 million and will clearly see minutes. Neemias Queta signed a four-year extension worth nearly $60 million and will clearly see minutes.
Do the Celtics play them both equally? Who starts and who closes games? Will it be game dependent and matchup dependent? Are both of them going to be on the floor at the same time?
And then what happens with Luka Garza, who is a solid backup? And how about Chris Cenac Jr., who was drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft? How does he factor into things?
2) What's the plan for George?
George is a good player, and he'll be a good supporting cast member for Tatum. There is very little doubt about that. He can score and he plays defense too, but he comes with real health questions.
He's played 56 games or less in six of the last seven years. Does the team want to play him as many games as they can? Do they want him in only half the games to keep him ready for the playoffs? Is he sitting all back-to-backs? How will they manage George's minutes on an in-game basis?
Boston Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla yells instructions to his team from the sideline during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Brian Westerholt-Imagn ImagesThat's for Mazzulla to figure out, but it's important that he does.
3) What's the style of play here?
It feels pretty simple to me: The Celtics are headed for another season in which they are at the top of 3-point shooting charts, but with four capable big men, there is at least a chance that the style of play changes a bit. Until we see things in action, we won't officially know, but the writing does feel on the wall.
The Celtics open up the preseason slate on Oct. 8 and the regular season begins on Oct. 20.
