Expectations aren’t exactly high for the 2025-26 Celtics.
Just a year removed from being viewed as title favorites, the Celtics are staring at a bridge season due to critical injuries and roster turnover brought about by cap-related complications.
Looming luxury tax penalties forced Brad Stevens to trade away lineup stalwarts like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, while Boston’s limited cap space also made it untenable for the team to re-sign players like Luke Kornet and Al Horford in free agency.
Those departures are likely to hamper a talented roster. But, the most devastating blow to Boston’s contention window came during the Eastern Conference Semifinals in May, with superstar forward Jayson Tatum suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.