The Celtics' Roster Puzzle: Who Will Fill the Final Spot?
Published: January 2, 2026, 6:00 a.m.
By Brian Robb | brobb@masslive.com
The Boston Celtics are riding high after a thrilling victory over the Kings, capping off what could be one of their most successful road trips in recent memory. With the team knocking on the door of the No. 2 seed in the East, all eyes are now on the roster. Trade rumors, lineup adjustments, and open spots are dominating the conversation. But here's where it gets controversial: how will the Celtics address their glaring need for a reliable backup big man? And this is the part most people miss—could this decision shape their playoff run?
Fan Question: Trade Deadline Moves and Roster Needs
Trevor F asks: Do you expect the Celtics to be active at the trade deadline? The roster seems to be crying out for a dependable backup big man. Should they target someone like Vucevic or Kevon Looney?
Absolutely, I expect the Celtics to be active at the trade deadline. The question is whether they’ll focus on upgrading their frontcourt or trimming their luxury tax bill. The longer they maintain this level of play, the more I lean toward the former. In fact, it’s entirely possible they could achieve both with strategic moves in the coming weeks. Vucevic would be a solid stretch option off the bench, but a deal for him seems unlikely unless it involves Simons—a tough sell for the Bulls given their guard surplus. Looney, while a defensive upgrade, lacks offensive production and carries a hefty $8 million contract, making him a less appealing option. If the Celtics make a move, I’d expect them to target a long-term solution or a cost-effective upgrade.
Pritchard’s Role When Tatum Returns
Trevor also wonders: When Tatum returns, will Pritchard stay in the starting lineup? And when should we discuss his extension?
This is a tough call. Pritchard’s role likely depends on whether Simons remains with the team post-deadline. If Simons is gone, shifting Pritchard back to the sixth man role could improve offensive balance. Jordan Walsh’s minutes have been declining, so the starting wing spot remains uncertain. If the situation is still unsettled, keeping Pritchard in the starting lineup might be the safer, more offensively dynamic choice. However, opting for a bigger wing could ease Tatum’s defensive burden and create a more versatile starting five. Either way, Coach Mazzulla will have two strong options. As for Pritchard’s extension, he’s eligible this summer, so expect discussions to heat up then.
Tanking: A Controversial Solution?
Tom B poses a bold question: Why not penalize coaches and GMs of teams that finish in the bottom five two out of three years by barring them from NBA employment for a year?
While it’s been a joy to watch the Celtics this season—a stark contrast to the tanking debates of the past—I think your suggestion goes too far. The NBA would never exert that level of control over team personnel. However, limiting how often a team can land a top-3 pick could be worth exploring. A better approach might be incentivizing late-season wins for lottery teams, perhaps by improving their odds for each win after being eliminated from playoff contention. It’s a challenging idea to implement, but it would undoubtedly lead to more competitive basketball and fewer healthy scratches in March and April.
Zone Defense: Here to Stay?
Joel observes: The Celtics seem to be playing more zone defense this year. Will this continue when Tatum returns?
I’d argue they’ve been using zone defense at their usual rate, mixing it in strategically each game. Their versatile wing defenders make this approach effective, allowing them to cover a lot of ground. Expect this trend to continue when Tatum returns, as it’s a tactic Mazzulla will likely rely on in the postseason.
The 15th Man: Who Gets the Call?
Paul D asks: Who will be the 15th player to fill the final roster spot? Amari Williams? Ron Harper Jr.? Shulga?
My guess is the Celtics will wait until the very end of the regular season to make this move, likely with a week or two left, to minimize tax implications. The choice will depend on injuries or specific needs. If a big man goes down, Amari Williams could be the top in-house candidate. Otherwise, Ron Harper Jr., with his three years of NBA experience, is a strong contender. Unlike the past two years, there’s no clear frontrunner, so stay tuned.
Final Thoughts
This Celtics season has been a rollercoaster, and the decisions made in the coming weeks could define their playoff trajectory. Should they prioritize a big man? How will Pritchard’s role evolve? And what’s the best way to address tanking in the NBA? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m eager to hear your take!
