One misstep is all it took for the Celtics to change the entire course of their future plans. Throughout the season, it looked like they would be the first team in the last seven years to win back-to-back titles. But those hopes were shattered when Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles in the Conference Semis. With JT expected to miss majority of next season recovering from the injury, Brad Stevens has seemingly shifted his focus from winning another championship to bagging the potential next big superstar.
Without Tatum, many believe next season will be a “gap year” for the Boston franchise from their perennial title pursuit. It became evident when they traded two-time champ Jrue Holiday to Portland in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two future second-round picks. Soon after, they parted ways with Kristaps Porzingis, sending him to Atlanta in a three-team trade. In return, Celtics received Georges Niang and a second-round pick. Clearly, these moves were a way to shed some salary to avoid tax penalties.
Moreover, Boston’s mass exodus seems far from over because Luke Kornet has also joined the long list of departing players. Per veteran insider Shams Charania, Kornet has inked a four-year $41 million deal with the Spurs after spending three and a half years in Boston. The move makes perfect sense for San Antonio, as Luke would be a solid backup for Victor Wembanyama. He averaged 6 points and over five rebounds off the bench last season. But what’s in it for Boston?
Well, the constant departures hint that they do not intend to stay competitive next season, especially with Tatum sidelined. Instead, Stevens could have his eyes on teenage sensation AJ Dybantsa, who is projected to be the first pick in the 2026 draft. The 6’9 wing balled out in Nike EYBL Peach Jam event two summers ago, leading the tournament in scoring.
Moreover, AJ is a kid from Boston, which would make being drafted by the Celtics the ideal scenario. Plus, he also has a solid relationship with Tatum, having met him multiple times during camps and hoop sessions. So, Stevens’ plan could be retooling this summer for the 2026-27 season while also trying to bag the lottery pick in next year’s draft by staying out of title contention.
(Developing Story)
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