After a perfect preseason, finishing 4–0, the Boston Celtics are heading into the 2026–27 NBA season with confidence, momentum, and plenty of expectations from fans across Boston. The Celtics have looked strong throughout the preseason, giving fans reasons to be excited about what this team could accomplish when the games start to matter. However, the preseason is only the beginning, and Boston will need its key players to step up when the regular season gets underway.
As the new season approaches, there are several players worth keeping an eye on. Some will be expected to carry the offensive load, while others could make a difference through their defense, playmaking and consistency. Here are three Celtics players to watch closely during the 2026–27 NBA season and why their performances could play a major role in determining how far this team goes.
Celtics Players To Watch
1. Jayson Tatum
If there is one player that determines how far the Celtics go this season, it is Jayson Tatum. With Jaylen Brown no longer on the roster, Tatum becomes the key player for the Celtics and the key to success.
The Celtics depict him as leading the team. His scoring ability, rebounding, playmaking and experience in high-pressure games make him essential to Boston’s true championship contender.
One of the biggest storylines surrounding Tatum is his return from a ruptured Achilles tendon. After making his return late last season, he enters 2026–27 looking to build on that progress and establish himself as one of the league’s top players again. The biggest question is whether Tatum gets back to his old self. It will definitely be difficult playing around new teammates; he will definitely need to figure out new things.
2. Paul George
The second of three Celtics players to watch is Paul George, the Celtics ‘ biggest addition this offseason. They got him in the trade that involved Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers. George brings experience to the Celtics and is especially good at shooting, defensive versatility and the ability to create his own shot.
Rather than forcing Tatum to be the main man to score, the good thing is that George can pull defenders and bring in points. The main thing is that George will need to stay healthy, because the Celtics are counting on him to be one of the main men for their team.
George could be one of the pieces to the Celtics’ success this season; he will be a great threat alongside Tatum.
3. Payton Pritchard
The third player fans have an eye on is Payton Pritchard. While he might not receive the same attention as Tatum or George, Pritchard has become an increasingly important part of Boston’s plans. He is coming off a career-best 2025–26 campaign, averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game while making 50 starts.
Pritchard’s biggest strengths are his shooting range, confidence, quick decision-making and ability to generate offense without needing the ball for long stretches. He can score in bunches, push the pace in transition, and give Boston another player capable of creating opportunities when the offense slows down.
With Brown no longer in Boston, Payton will get chances to become like him and develop into a superstar that the Celtics can count on. The question is, will Payton be healthy this season, and will he adjust just fine to the Celtics ‘ solutions? If he does, he will be very valuable for the Celtics this season.
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