Reviewing Boston Celtics Roster So Far

Payton Pritchard

16.8 PTS · 4.4 REB · 5.3 AST

After five years in the league and just 17 career starts, there was real pressure on Payton Pritchard to prove he could be a starting-caliber point guard. Through the first 45 games, he’s done exactly that.

Pritchard ranks first in the NBA in isolation efficiency, scoring 1.2 points per isolation while ranking just 32nd in isolation volume. Showing elite efficiency without heavy usage. His growth hasn’t been limited to just scoring. He’s posting a career-best 113.9 defensive rating and leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Once viewed as a spark-plug reserve, Pritchard has solidified himself as a reliable NBA starter.

Derrick White

17.4 PTS · 4.6 REB · 5.3 AST

With many projecting Derrick White to make his first All-Star appearance, expectations were high entering the season. While he’s posting career highs in points, rebounds, and assists, his shooting has dipped to 39.1% from the field and 32.3% from three, which has likely cost him an All-Star nod.

That said, White remains one of the league’s most impactful defenders. He ranks 4th in stocks (steals + blocks) at 2.8 per game and is 2nd in defensive estimated plus-minus (+2.1), giving him a real case for mid-season DPOY.

Even through shooting struggles, White leads the Celtics in plus-minus (+279)—a testament to his all-around impact. That’s the beauty of Derrick White: even on off nights, he helps you win.

Jaylen Brown

29.4 PTS · 6.8 REB · 4.9 AST

Jaylen Brown has spent his career answering doubters. Questions about fit with Tatum, ball-handling, and whether he could be a true No. 1 option. After earning Finals MVP honors, he’s continued silencing critics.

This season, Brown is averaging nearly 30 points per game while leading Boston to the 2nd seed, despite preseason projections placing them in the play-in or lottery range. He’s fully embraced his role as the offensive engine, guiding the Celtics to the 2nd-best offensive rating in the league.

Brown’s evolution has validated his $300 million contract and proven the Celtics remain a legitimate Eastern Conference threat—with or without Jayson Tatum.

Sam Hauser

9.2 PTS · 3.9 REB · 1.5 AST

After a rough start shooting just 27.5% from three, Sam Hauser saw his minutes dip early in the season. Since January, however, he’s been nothing short of elite. Averaging 14 points per game while shooting 47.5% from deep.

Boston is 9–4 during this stretch and 15–3 when Hauser hits at least three threes. More than just a shooter, Hauser competes defensively and plays with constant effort.

When he’s spacing the floor like this, the Celtics offense becomes extremely difficult to contain.

Neemias Queta

10.0 PTS · 8.0 REB · 1.4 AST

With Al Horford, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Luke Kornet all gone, Boston suddenly lacked a reliable big man.

Enter Neemias Queta.

In his third season, Queta has nearly doubled his production across the board. After struggling with fouls last year, he’s played smarter and more controlled basketball. His rim protection has been vital, helping Boston rank 2nd in points allowed in the paint and lead the league in paint defensive rating.

At 26 years old, Queta’s growth has been one of the season’s biggest surprise, and there’s still room for more.

Anfernee Simons

13.9 PTS · 2.4 REB · 2.4 AST

Initially viewed as a cap-dump piece in the Jrue Holiday trade, Anfernee Simons has become a key contributor for a contending Celtics team.

His scoring ability was never in question, but it’s been his defensive effort that’s stood out. While still not elite on that end, Simons has improved navigating screens, applying pressure, and using his athleticism to disrupt opponents.

He’s proving he can contribute to winning basketball, not just put up points.

Jordan Walsh

5.7 PTS · 4.4 REB · 0.8 AST

At just 21 years old, Jordan Walsh is already in his third NBA season and flashing serious potential. After limited early-season minutes, Joe Mazzulla expanded his role jumping from 8 to 19 minutes per game.

Walsh has improved his shooting efficiency by 15–20% across the board thanks to better shot selection. Defensively, he’s taken on the toughest assignments, holding opponents to 40% shooting, which is 7.2% below expectation. Boston’s defensive rating improves from 114.6 to 102.5 when Walsh is on the floor.

Walsh continuing to grow will just keep solidifying the Celtics defense as they continue their quest back to the finals.

Luka Garza

7.7 PTS · 4.3 REB · 1.1 AST

After years of inconsistent playing time, Luka Garza’s role was uncertain early on. Since December 20th, he’s averaged 9.2 points and 5 rebounds while shooting an absurd 59.6% from the field and 46.7% from three.

Garza leads the league with 6.6 screen assists per 36 minutes, and his improved defense and discipline have kept him on the floor. His resurgence has been quietly vital.

Hugo Gonzalez

4.2 PTS · 3.3 REB · 0.6 AST

Drafted late in the first round, Hugo Gonzalez exceeded expectations immediately. While the box score doesn’t jump, his defensive versatility does—strong, mobile, and disciplined on the ball.

The surprise has been his shooting: 38.6% from three. Including a game-tying buzzer-beater against Brooklyn. At just 19 years old, his future is extremely bright.

Baylor Scheierman

3.0 PTS · 2.0 REB · 0.8 AST

Scheierman has taken a step forward thanks to improved efficiency and shot selection, raising both his field-goal and three-point percentages by 10%.

His biggest value lies defensively. Trusted by Mazzulla, he’s gone from guarding low-usage players to taking on top scorers and even filling in as a small-ball big. His versatility has earned him more consistent minutes.

Josh Minott

6.3 PTS · 3.9 REB · 1.1 AST

After limited opportunities in Minnesota, Minott showed early impact in Boston, including 44% shooting from three on solid volume. A month-long injury, however, opened the door for Walsh and Gonzalez.

While it may be difficult for Minott to reclaim a consistent role, his defensive tools and early production made him a positive surprise this season.

Amari Williams (January Only)

3.2 PTS · 3.2 REB · 0.8 AST

Williams didn’t see meaningful minutes until January, but he’s already flashed elite defensive upside. He’s recorded 7 blocks in his last 6 games, showcasing excellent timing and footwork in pick-and-roll coverage.

At 6’11” with a 7’5” wingspan, plus strong passing instincts, Williams looks like a long-term piece worth developing.

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