Baylor Scheierman? Hugo Gonzalez? One of the draft picks?
Make no mistake about it: The Boston Celtics are a veteran team. Jayson Tatum is entering year 10 in the NBA. Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard and Mitchell Robinson all have extensive experience.
Paul George is headed for year 17 in the league. Mike Conley is going on year 20.
However, despite all the experience, there is some youth on this team; youth that is very exciting. Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell were drafted this year. Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez and Jordan Walsh are all recent top draft picks.
So, which young player is most exciting for the C's heading into this 2026-27 season?
For me? It's Gonzalez, and here's why:
The Celtics figure to be a three-point shooting machine again this season, but Gonzalez is a player with a balanced game. The 20-year old from Spain played in 74 games last season for Boston, helping them earn the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. And while he shot his fair share of 3-pointers (116), he actually shot more two-pointers (130). He's a player that has the ability to do both things, and a balanced attack is something that I appreciate.
Frankly, I wish more Celtics players had the ability, and desire, to do both. But guys like White and Hauser are predicated on the 3-point shot. And that works for them, but Boston could benefit from someone who can get in the lane.
Well, Gonzalez has an uncanny ability to get inside the lane when he wants to, and I'm looking forward to seeing that more often in the new campaign. Gonzalez served as the leader of the Summer League Celtics, and he also played for Spain in the World Cup this summer. The hope is that those experiences gave him even more confidence.
Also in the news for the Celtics
A still photo can't always tell you a lot, we know that, but in this case, we think it does. The Celtics posted a photo of Payton Pritchard on Saturday, and he looks noticeably leaner. Is that a good thing or not? We take a few cracks at what it could mean here.
Pritchard is one of the best players on the C's, and he'll be critical to their success this season.
Up next for Boston
Training camp begins on Sept. 29 and the preseason opener is set for Oct. 8. The Celtics will play four preseason games before starting the regular season on Oct. 20 against the Pistons. Detroit was the No. 1 seed in the East last season.
