What Are the Boston Celtics’ Expectations Coming Into the 2025-26 Season
It is hard to imagine that the Celtics’ expectations would be anything other than trying to win a title, but this year could be that one exception. This season could end up being much different from what most people usually see from the Celtics. The entire league is used to seeing the Celtics at the top of their conference, but with their MVP candidate out for what looks to be the entire season, many question their ability to stay afloat.
Celtics Expectations Could Be Based On the First Half Of the Season
What the Celtics decide to do with this season will most likely be based on how they are playing up until the trade deadline. They have made it clear that they still want to contend even with the uncertainty of Jayson Tatum playing this season. Tatum looks to be ahead of schedule in his Achilles rehab, but the team doesn’t want to rush him back into action unless they think they can make a run at the championship this season. This is why the first half of the season will tell the whole story for Boston.
At the trade deadline, if Boston is at least 5-7 games above .500, then they most likely will try to make a push for a championship. If this scenario happens, depending on how Tatum is doing in his rehab, he could come back for the final month of the regular season and ramp himself up for a playoff run. The Celtics’ expectations could look a whole lot different, though, if they are just barely at .500, or even below it, entering the trade deadline.
The Celtics’ Expectations After the Midway Point
If the Celtics aren’t looking great at the deadline, then it might be best to tank for the remainder of the season. They have made it clear that they would already like to move on from newly acquired Guard Anfernee Simons, but probably wouldn’t be able to do so just yet. The deadline would be the perfect time for it. This could turn out to be a reloading year for Boston as they look to save money on the tax bill.
The Mavericks last season were just one win away from making it to the playoffs, and they ended up getting the first overall pick, which drastically changed things for them. If luck lands in the Celtics’ favor, then they could end up with a top 5 pick in a loaded draft class. Boston would pair that young talent with the likes of a determined Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. They could easily be right back at the top of the East, and the Celtics expectations would be right where they are supposed to be, competing for championships.
Final Thoughts
The Celtics’ expectations for this season are pretty simple. Win as many games as you can leading up to the trade deadline, and see how you are stacking up against the other best teams in the league. If they are doing well, then maybe getting Tatum back at the end of the season to make a title run isn’t a bad idea.
If not, then tanking for the second half of the season, and letting some of your younger guys get more minutes and freedom, could also benefit the team with the likes of landing a high draft pick next year. Nonetheless, the Celtics’ expectations to win it all won’t change unless it could benefit the team.
