With Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tear sidelining him, the Boston Celtics appear unlikely to contend for a championship in the 2025-26 season. This setback led team president Brad Stevens to acknowledge the difficult situation, resulting in trades involving Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis as the Celtics adjusted to a reduced payroll and a diminished championship window. Despite the tough outlook, former two-time <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA champion Cedric Maxwell offers a cautiously optimistic perspective on the team’s future.
Roster Constraints and Management Decisions Shape Celtics’ Outlook
Brad Stevens and the Celtics’ management originally intended to keep their core group intact, but salary cap restrictions tied to the NBA’s second apron forced difficult financial decisions. These constraints contributed to the early closure of the team’s title chances for the upcoming season. Though the current lineup lacks the depth and star power of recent years, Maxwell highlights the leadership of head coach Joe Mazzulla as a key factor in navigating the team’s adversity.
Coach Joe Mazzulla Expected to Rally Celtics Despite Tough Circumstances
Maxwell expressed confidence that Joe Mazzulla will embrace the challenges presented in the coming season.
Joe Mazzulla is going to love [next] year, I think, because of the challenges of this year,
Maxwell said on The Cedrick Maxwell Podcast.
He always loved having young players diving, and I can see a lot of that happening. I think they’re going to fight.
While the Celtics may not have the talent to dominate, their competitive spirit under Mazzulla’s leadership should keep them fighting hard on the court.
Potential Silver Lining in the Draft and Return of Core Players
Maxwell sees a hopeful parallel between the Celtics’ current situation and the San Antonio Spurs’ 1996-97 season, when David Robinson’s injury opened the door for a future star. Although the Celtics may fall short of making the playoffs, Maxwell stresses the value of securing a high draft pick in 2026, combined with the eventual return of key players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Let’s speculate [the Boston Celtics] don’t make the playoffs. But you come in, and you get a real good pick for next year. On top of that, you’re bringing back Tatum, and you have Brown coming back,
Maxwell explained.
He compared this scenario to the Spurs’ experience:
Very much like what San Antonio did when David Robinson sat out a complete year and didn’t play,
Maxwell pointed out.
Tim Duncan came in, and it was a foundation for something that was going to be beautiful for the years ahead.
Celtics’ 2026 Draft Pick Could Spark a New Era
In the 1996-97 NBA season, Robinson’s foot injury sidelined him nearly the entire year, but the Spurs capitalized on winning the draft lottery to select Tim Duncan. Duncan’s arrival not only revived Robinson’s championship hopes but also laid the groundwork for long-term success. By comparison, the Celtics currently hold their 2026 first-round pick, offering a similar opportunity to secure transformative talent and rebuild their championship foundation.
This optimism is fueled by recent draft lottery surprises, such as the Dallas Mavericks winning the top pick with just a 1.8% chance, reinforcing the unpredictable nature of the draft. Celtics legend Kevin Garnett famously asserted that “anything is possible,” a sentiment that still resonates as the team seeks to turn setbacks into future gains.