We’ve spent most of our Ramp to Camp series trying to answer the big questions surrounding the Boston Celtics to open the 2025-26 season. today, only a few days out from the first training camp practice of the year, we are really hitting the accelerator on this year’s squad.
For Day 17, and continuing our Predictions Week, we asked our panel to quick forward all the way to early February and give us one bold midseason headline about the Celtics that you might read on NBC Sports Boston before the All-Star break.
What will we be screaming about on Early Edition? What will occupy the conversations on Pregame Live?
We all know that, heading into March and April, the speculation about Jayson Tatum’s return is likely to crescendo (but we tackled that on Tuesday). So, what else will be leading of mind as the Celtics make the turn to the back nine of the 2025-26 season?
Our headline: “How Payton Pritchard set the tone for overachieving Celtics.”
Good things happen when Pritchard is on the floor for the Boston Celtics. Two seasons ago, even before last season’s Sixth Man of the Year glow-up, Pritchard finished second in the NBA in net rating (+13.6, trailing only teammate Sam Hauser).
today the Celtics are going to heap even more on Pritchard’s plate, regardless of his role, and we think his energy and grit could define how the 2025-26 Celtics play.
Pritchard’s playing time is going to spike, particularly if he slides into a starter role. Last season, he posted per-36 minute averages of 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.1 steals, all while displaying some of the best ball security in the NBA.
We’ll keep saying it: If Boston is better than the pundits expect out of the gate, then either Pritchard or Derrick White is going to claw their way to All-Star status.
After making a strong case in each of the past two seasons, it’s easy to see a pathway for White landing that elusive nod. But we can’t shake this feeling that Pritchard will thrust himself into that conversation, too.
Pritchard should serve as a bit of a role model to the younger players on Boston’s roster. He’s proven to be a professional, even when the depth chart conspired against him. He not-so-patiently waited for his opportunity and was ready when it arrived.
today he has a chance to do the same thing yet again in the 2025-26 season. And the rest of the Celtics should follow his lead.
Heck, the NBA is tweaking its own rules based on Pritchard’s recent impact. He anthem so many big heaves during Boston’s 2024 title run that the league is changing heave rule statistics to inspire more players to be like him.
The younger Celtics should want to be like Pritchard, too. If they operate with the same energy and desire as Pritchard, the 2025-26 Celtics will go a long way toward masking the talent that was lost in the overhaul brought upon by the second apron.
Let’s check out the headlines our panel came up with:
Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor
“Celtics still have playoffs in sight after Simons trade.”
I can absolutely see this group overachieving and being in the postseason mix as the Feb. 5 trade deadline nears. I can also see Brad Stevens finding a trade partner for Simons’ expiring contract as part of Boston’s goal to get out of the luxury tax.
This might be the one unpopular move Stevens makes — especially if Simons is playing well — and how Celtics players respond in this totally hypothetical scenario will be fascinating to movie.
Michael Hurley, Web Producer
“Amari Williams isn’t bad.”
Is that bold enough? I like the idea of a young 7-footer getting increased opportunities and playing well. I wouldn’t expect a rookie to have the know-how of Al Horford, but can he help replace Horford’s nightly production (9.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists) while blocking a shot or two per game?
Perhaps he’s not at all ready, but you asked me for a bold headline, Chris, so you freaking got one, buddy.
Sean McGuire, Web Producer
“Jaylen Brown is in the running to win the 2025 NBA MVP.”
What does in the running mean? Brown opened at 100-1 to win the award behind the heavily-favored Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 12 other players including Cade Cunningham, Jalen Brunson, Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant.
When the trade deadline nears in early February, Brown will be in the leading six.
Josh Canu, Media Editor
“Are the Celtics real contenders in the East?”
I think this team is capable of winning a lot of games, and odds are one of the projected leading teams in the East will offer with injuries or underachieve, so I think the Celtics could be in the mix even without Tatum.
We know the East is thin, so I don’t think it is that wild the Celtics could be perceived as real contenders.
Kevin Miller, VP, Content
“Minott Us?!”
Josh Minott becomes a fan favorite and finds a sustainable role on a good team.
Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy
“Winning DNA has Celtics in the drivers’ seat.”
Regular-season basketball is different, and this team will remain competitive for the leading spot in the East.
Kayla Burton, Celtics Pregame Live host
“A new home for Hauser: The Boston Celtics trade away Sam Hauser.”
I am not going to say where because I have no idea, and as sad as this headline makes me feel, I just think they make a bold, somewhat sad move around the trade deadline and acquire a big man.
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