Celtics Sustain Success Despite Roster Overhaul

Boston maintains high level of play after losing nearly half of scoring output from last season

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Boston Celtics have entered the 2026 NBA All-Star break with a 35-19 record and sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference, despite losing key players like Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, and Luke Kornet in the offseason. The team's holdover players, led by Jaylen Brown, have stepped up to fill the scoring void, while new additions like Anfernee Simons and Luka Garza have provided a boost off the bench.

Why it matters

The Celtics' ability to maintain their success despite such a significant roster overhaul is a testament to the team's depth, coaching, and the development of their young players. It raises questions about the team's long-term outlook and whether they can sustain this level of play as they integrate Tatum back into the lineup.

The details

The Celtics entered the 2025-26 season having lost 8,749 minutes and 4,415 points - 46% of their total scoring output - from the previous season. However, Jaylen Brown has stepped up, increasing his scoring average by 7.1 points per game to 29.3 while also posting career highs in rebounds and assists. Other holdovers like Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Neemias Queta, and Jordan Walsh have also seen upticks in their scoring averages. Meanwhile, new additions like Anfernee Simons, Luka Garza, and Hugo Gonzalez have provided valuable contributions off the bench.

  • The Celtics entered the 2025 All-Star break with a 39-16 record and the No. 2 seed in the East.
  • The Celtics entered the 2026 All-Star break with a 35-19 record and sole possession of second place in the East.

The players

Jaylen Brown

An All-Star starter who has increased his scoring average by 7.1 points per game to 29.3 while also posting career highs in rebounds and assists.

Payton Pritchard

Averaging a career-high 17.2 points per game, up from 14.3 last season.

Anfernee Simons

Signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Celtics in free agency and has provided valuable scoring off the bench.

Luka Garza

Signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Celtics in free agency and has been a workhorse off the bench, racking up 103 offensive rebounds as a reserve.

Hugo Gonzalez

The 20-year-old rookie has injected energy into Boston's second unit with his tenacious defense and aggressive rebounding.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Jayson Tatum appears closer to a return than ever after he began 5-on-5 scrimmages with the team earlier this week, which could provide an additional boost to the Celtics' lineup.

The takeaway

The Celtics' ability to maintain a high level of play despite significant roster turnover is a testament to the team's depth, coaching, and the development of their young players. It raises questions about the team's long-term outlook and whether they can sustain this success as they integrate Tatum back into the lineup.