The Boston Celtics are heading into the 2024-25 as reigning NBA champions with a ton of talent on the team including Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday. The Celtics are one of the favorites to win an NBA title in the upcoming season and the amount of star power on the team is evident by how great they were last year, losing only three playoff games before winning it all. As we did with the Los Angeles Lakers , we will name a particular Boston Celtics player who will fit into one of 14 categories.
Best All-Around Player: Jayson Tatum
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Jayson Tatum is the best all-around player of the Boston Celtics and has firmly established himself as one of the NBA's elite talents. He proved that in the NBA Finals last year with his all-around performances, averaging 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game in an unselfish effort. He led the team in points per game in the regular season last year (26.9 PPG) and has the ability to take over games with his shot-making and isolation scoring.
Tatum's growth over the past few seasons has been remarkable, particularly in his ability to lead the team in high-pressure situations. His leadership was a significant reason for the Celtics' dominant playoff run last season, where they lost only three games en route to the championship. He’s entering the 2024-25 season at the peak of his powers, looking to lead Boston to back-to-back titles.
Most Underrated: Derrick White
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Derrick White has consistently been one of the Celtics’ most valuable players, yet he often flies under the radar due to the star power surrounding him. White brings a combination of solid defense, efficient shooting, and intelligent decision-making that enhances the team’s overall dynamic. His ability to play both on and off the ball makes him a versatile guard who can seamlessly fit alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
White's underrated status is largely due to his unflashy style of play; he doesn't always fill the stat sheet, but his impact is felt in the way he contributes to winning basketball. His shooting percentages, particularly from beyond the arc, have been among the best on the team, and his knack for making timely plays often turns the tide in Boston's favor. Add in the fact that White averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game and he is the most underrated player on the Celtics.
Most Overrated: Kristaps Porzingis
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Kristaps Porzingis joined the Celtics with significant expectations, given his reputation as a former All-Star and a unique big man who can stretch the floor. The fact that he is the most overrated player on the team is an indication of how great the Celtics are because Porzingis is an All-Star caliber player. However, his inability to stay healthy has harmed his status as a star player.
His perimeter shooting is valuable and he averaged an impressive 20.1 points per game last season, but appearing in only seven playoff games isn’t the best look. With the Celtics possessing a strong core, Porzingis needs to show he can stay healthy and become a dominant inside presence because he could be a difference-maker when it comes to the team winning back-to-back titles.
Best Shooter: Derrick White
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While there are a few strong candidates for the best shooter on the Celtics, Jrue Holiday’s consistency and efficiency from beyond the arc earn him the top spot. Last season, Holiday shot at a high percentage from three-point range (42.9%), providing the Celtics with a reliable perimeter threat who could space the floor for Tatum and Brown. His ability to shoot off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations makes him a versatile option in the Celtics’ offense.
Holiday’s shooting extends beyond just three-pointers; he is also proficient in mid-range jumpers and floaters, making him a multi-dimensional scorer. His ability to pull up or spot up keeps defenses on their toes, allowing him to punish teams that leave him open. Anytime Holiday has been open, it has been an automatic bucket from the perimeter.
Best Post Scorer: Kristaps Porzingis
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Kristaps Porzingis is undoubtedly the Celtics' best post scorer, leveraging his height and touch to dominate smaller defenders in the paint. Standing at 7'3", Porzingis uses his size effectively to shoot over opponents and finish with a soft touch around the rim. His ability to face up or back down defenders makes him a versatile scoring option in the post.
When he’s on his game, Porzingis can draw double-teams and create open looks for his teammates, providing the Celtics with a dynamic inside-out game as he shot 51.6% from the field last year. However, health has been an issue. If he can stay healthy and assertive in the post, he adds a unique dimension to Boston’s offense that few teams can match.
Best Handles: Jayson Tatum
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Jayson Tatum has the best handles on the Celtics, giving him the ability to create his own shot and break down defenses at will. His ball-handling skills have improved significantly over the years, allowing him to navigate through tight defenses and execute crossovers, step-backs, and spins with ease.
Tatum’s ball-handling also complements his scoring prowess, as he often uses his dribbling to set up his lethal jump shot. His ability to handle the ball against pressure and create separation from defenders has made him one of the most difficult covers in the league. Credit should also go to Jrue Holiday for being a reliable ball-handler who doesn’t lose the ball often against defenders.
Best Passer: Jayson Tatum
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Jrue Holiday or Derrick White can be recognized as the Celtics’ best passer, bringing a combination of vision, timing, and accuracy to the team’s backcourt. However, Jayson Tatum’s improved passing has to be respected considering he averaged 4.9 assists per game in the regular season before leading the team in assists in the playoffs (6.3 APG).
Tatum’s ability to generate assists comes from the fact that defenses collapse around him but the superstar is finding his teammates more than effectively. Tatum has improved from a superstar scorer to an excellent all-around player and he deserves to lead the playmaking category on his team.
Best Perimeter Defender: Jrue Holiday
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Jrue Holiday’s reputation as one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA is well-deserved, and he brings that elite defensive presence to the Celtics. Making his sixth All-Defensive Team last season, Holiday is one of the most consistent perimeter defenders of his generation and the Boston Celtics are very lucky to have him.
Holiday's impact on the defensive end goes beyond just on-ball defense; his ability to play passing lanes, contest shots, and switch onto various players makes him a versatile and valuable defender. He sets the tone for the Celtics' defense, often taking on the toughest assignments and neutralizing the opponent's top scorers.
Best Post Defender: Kristaps Porzingis
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Kristaps Porzingis, with his 7'3" frame and long wingspan, stands out as the Celtics' best post defender. His shot-blocking ability is well-known, and he serves as a reliable rim protector who can alter and deter shots in the paint. When healthy, the Latvian is a monster inside and that is shown by his average of 1.9 blocks per game last year.
For Boston to maximize his defensive potential, he needs to be strategically positioned to guard the paint effectively without being exposed to the perimeter. His role as the anchor of the defense is crucial, especially when the Celtics face teams with strong interior offenses. Al Horford also deserves credit for this category but he will turn 39 years old next year and will show some decline.
Most Athletic: Jaylen Brown
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Jaylen Brown’s athleticism is unmatched on the Celtics roster, making him the most athletic player on the team. His explosive first step, vertical leap, and overall strength allow him to excel in both offensive and defensive situations. Brown uses his athleticism to drive to the basket aggressively, finish through contact, and throw down emphatic dunks that energize both his team and the crowd.
On defense, Brown's athletic ability enables him to guard multiple positions effectively, switch onto different players, and recover quickly if beaten off the dribble. His lateral quickness and leaping ability make him an excellent shot contestor as well, and he is the most athletic player standing 6’6” and weighing 223 lbs of lean muscle.
Worst Starter: Kristaps Porzingis
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The Boston Celtics literally don’t have a “worst starter” considering how great their starting lineup is. However, we cannot consider Derrick White or Jrue Holiday as the worst starter so that player has to be Kristaps Porzingis. The big man’s lack of health has to make him the most untrustworthy which is also the main reason for him being dubbed “overrated” in our category breakdown.
For the Celtics to be placed in the mix to win back-to-back titles, Porzingis will need to overcome health issues and prove that he can be a dependable contributor, especially in crucial playoff moments when the Celtics will need him. Until then, he remains the starter with the most question marks heading into the 2024-25 season.
Best Role Player: Al Horford
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Al Horford remains an invaluable role player for the Celtics, providing veteran leadership, defensive versatility, and a steady offensive presence. Even at 38 years old, Horford’s experience and high basketball IQ make him an essential part of Boston’s rotation. He knows how to position himself for rebounds, set effective screens, and space the floor with his shooting.
Even at this stage of his career, Horford’s ability to play both the power forward and center positions gives the Celtics flexibility in their lineups. The big man’s impact is often felt in the playoffs, where his calm demeanor and experience come to the forefront. He’s a reliable defender who can guard multiple positions, and his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting makes him a valuable offensive asset.
Most Clutch Player: Jaylen Brown
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Jaylen Brown has earned the title of the Celtics' most clutch player through his ability to step up in critical moments and deliver when the stakes are highest. That is proven by how the superstar wing won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and eventually the Finals MVP last year. Brown has fine-tuned his game to become a clutch performer and he deserves credit for that.
He has developed a reputation for hitting big shots and making key plays in the fourth quarter, earning the trust of his teammates and coaches. As the Celtics continue to contend for championships, Brown’s clutch performances will remain a critical factor in their pursuit of more titles.
Best Leader: Jaylen Brown
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Jaylen Brown has emerged as the Celtics' best leader, not just through his play on the court but also through his actions off it. Brown was the go-to star in the postseason when a big bucket was needed and he almost always responded. Despite playing with a slightly more skilled player in Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown never let his level drop and earned Finals MVP honors as a result.
Brown’s ability to keep his teammates engaged and motivated, even in difficult moments, has been invaluable. As the Celtics aim for another title in the 2024-25 season, Brown’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through the ups and downs of a grueling NBA campaign because his calmness on the court is to be respected.
This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.
