How 3 young Boston Celtics wings potentially change future outlook

While outside expectations for the Celtics were low coming into this season, for the most part, they’ve exceeded them through 15 games. They’re 8-7 after starting 0-3, plus their net rating has been leading-10 in the league. The 3-5 record in clutch games has been an issue, though it’s still a small sample size this early in the season.

As the Celtics live a Jayson Tatum-less life, they’ve had three young wings step up at varying points to open the season. That trio of Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott and Hugo Gonzalez could change the potential future outlook for the franchise. It’s still early, but all three of those guys have flashed potential.

In the NBA’s current era, as Celtics fans know, there are constraints that come from entering the luxury tax, first apron and second apron of the salary cap. The C’s operated as a second apron team last year, leading to stringent penalties in terms of trades and team-building moves. It’s partly why they traded Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, among other moves.

All of that means there’s a lot of benefit finding budget-friendly, young players to help round out a rotation. That’s what Walsh, Minott and Gonzalez could be for the Celtics beyond this season. So even though the Celtics aren’t chasing a title this season with their best player out, having those wings ready to contribute when Tatum returns would go a long way toward future title contention.

A side effect to no Tatum also means there are available minutes at the wing. Coming into training camp, aside from Sam Hauser, the Celtics were expected to lean on some combination of their young wings. While none of these guys have been perfect, they’ve showed enough potential that they could become future difference-makers.

Minott was signed from the Timberwolves this summer. He’s still only 22 despite being in his fourth year in the league. Minott started nine straight games, and while that fifth starter role has changed, his tenacity and energy have been on display. Considering he was a low-risk signing, he’s been effective in his exclusive role.

Walsh has been the recent breakout wing for the Celtics. He’s started the past three games, and his defense has been eye-opening guarding other stars. Walsh’s length, measured at a 7-foot-1 wingspan at the draft combine, has been a nuisance to go up against. He’s also still 21 and in his third NBA season, so his development is ongoing.

Gonzalez is the youngest player on the C’s roster at 19. He hasn’t gotten as much playing time compared to earlier this season, but the 28th overall pick has already turned heads. He’s got great feel for the game despite being a teenager. His defensive instincts are already at an NBA level. There’s a reason C’s coach Joe Mazzulla said they haven’t thought of sending him to the G League to get him more playing time.

There’s also wing Baylor Scheierman, who was picked 30th overall in the 2024 draft. While Scheierman is in his second NBA season, he’s older at 25 years old since he spent five seasons in college. He’s also different compared to the other younger wings as he isn’t a high-energy defender. Scheierman could also be part of the future as he’s under team control going forward.

Regardless, unless there’s a major injury, the Celtics look like they’ll be part of the East playoff race this season even with Tatum out. There were some murmurs that, hey, maybe they choose to tank this season away. But multiple teams are bottoming out around the NBA with the 2026 draft projected to be stacked with prospects.

The Celtics, in the meantime, can continue to tinker with their lineups to see what they’ve got with their various wings. These guys are under contract beyond this season, so if they keep producing, they could be part of the answer when the Celtics are ready to compete for championships again.