The Boston Celtics have had an active offseason, trading two starters to manage luxury tax concerns. With Jayson Tatum likely missing the entire season due to a torn Achilles, the team faces the challenge of replacing three key starters from last year. Through all this change, one constant has been Jaylen Brown. Recently, he joined a livestream to discuss the team and connect with his “bros,” only to be left completely stunned by the outcome.

And that’s where the fun really begins. Brown, clearly amused, dialed up his teammates—Derrick White, Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, and Jayson Tatum—but not a single one picked up. Laughing at the absurdity, he quipped, “If J-Walsh don’t pick up we got beef.” By the end, he was fully in self-reflect mode: “Oh for five, chat. Oh for five. What is going on? I call five of the bros—come on, I gotta… It’s something I’m not doing. Right. I gotta self-reflect. I gotta get together. I gotta, you know what I mean.” The Tatum and co. hang-ups left him genuinely shocked.

The reason behind Brown’s impromptu calling spree? The Celtics’ roster feels almost brand new to him this season. “Half the team is gone. I wish them the best. I appreciate them. They were great teammates… it’s a new era, everything has kind of changed and shifted,” Brown explained, highlighting how much the team has transformed from last season.

Boston made major moves in the offseason, trading away Jrue Holiday, Georges Niang, and Kristaps Porziņģis, while also likely losing Al Horford- with reports indicating his willingness to join the Golden State Warriors.

To rebuild, the front office added Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, Josh Minott, and Anfernee Simons through trades or free agency, and bolstered the roster with three draft picks: Hugo González (28th), Amari Williams (46th), and Max Shulga (57th). It’s clear, as Brown’s calls show, that this is a Celtics squad in transition, and he’s adjusting right alongside the team.

Another new addition was Jalen Bridges. At 24, Bridges is set to compete for a two-way contract in training camp, sources told HoopsHype. Last season, he had limited NBA time with the Phoenix Suns, playing only eight games. But in the G League, he showed what he can do: 14.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game, and knocking down threes at about 36%. If you’re a Celtics fan, that’s exactly the kind of shooting and spacing they love, someone who can step in and make an immediate difference. 

The Celtics finished the 2024–25 regular season strong, going 61–21 with a .744 winning percentage and dominating the East at 39–13. They weren’t just winning—they were playing smart basketball, averaging over 116 points per game, dishing out 26.1 assists, and keeping defenses honest.

Off the court, ESPN’s Bobby Marks pointed out that this summer was all about “a summer of savings and reshaping their roster.” The numbers back it up: Boston slashed their combined projected salary and luxury tax bill from $540 million on June 15 to $239 million by August 5—a major reset. The plan seems clear: get lean financially while keeping the core intact, with a predicted starting five that could mix veterans like Pritchard, White, Brown, Hauser, and Queta.

Is a mid-season Tatum return possible?

So, here’s the big question hanging over Celtics fans right now: will Jayson Tatum make a surprise return before the season ends? The 6-foot-8 Duke product tore his Achilles during Game 4 of Boston’s playoff series against the Knicks, and honestly, even with him on the floor, Boston was struggling. Between too much reliance on 3-pointers, Kristaps Porzingis’ health issues, and some shaky perimeter defense, the team still fell into a nine-point hole late. “Without him, despite a valiant Game 5 comeback win, Boston inevitably fell in Game 6,” reports NBC Sports’ Darren Hartwell.

But here’s where it gets interesting. Tatum’s recovery has been shockingly fast—he had surgery mere hours after the injury and has been laser-focused on getting back. Hartwell notes the Celtics “have refused to put a timeline on his recovery,” which leaves all kinds of room for speculation.

Sure, the team might sit him out the whole 2025-26 season, especially with Boston missing key players this offseason. But if he keeps up this round-the-clock rehab, “don’t be surprised if the discussion around his possible return gets louder when the calendar flips to 2026.”

For now, the Celtics are holding steady with Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, trying to stay competitive in a shaky East. Tatum’s scoring and two-way game are irreplaceable, and the front office is thrilled with how focused he’s been on bouncing back. “They want him to be healthy because no one can replace his production,” Hartwell adds. So while most fans expect a “gap year” for Boston, Tatum’s progress keeps hope alive—you might just see the superstar back on the floor sooner than anyone expects.