NBA Season Challenges for the Celtics and Pacers
The upcoming NBA season presents a significant challenge for both the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers, as they prepare to compete without their star players due to injuries. Boston’s Jayson Tatum is recovering from an Achilles tear sustained in the playoffs, while Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton also faces a lengthy recovery after an Achilles injury occurred during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. While Tatum is leaving the door open for a possible late-season return, both players are expected to miss the entirety of the upcoming season.
As the league gears up for what is being described as an “open” Eastern Conference, the absence of these two All-NBA talents raises questions about how both franchises will cope during this transitional phase. Will this season merely serve as a gap year for Boston and Indiana, or can they leverage this opportunity to develop their rosters?
Boston Celtics
The Celtics were already poised for a roster overhaul before Tatum’s injury exacerbated their challenges. The franchise is confronting financial constraints, including the impending second apron and repeater tax, prompting management to make significant roster decisions. The departures of key players like Jrue Holiday to Portland, Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta, Al Horford to Golden State, and Luke Kornet to San Antonio have helped lower the payroll to just under $200 million, albeit still over the luxury tax threshold.
With Tatum sidelined, Jaylen Brown steps into the spotlight as the primary offensive weapon. Alongside Brown, the Celtics will rely on Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. White, taking on a vital role similar to that of his collegiate days at Colorado, will need to handle more pick-and-roll situations typically managed by Tatum.
Questions loom around the frontcourt, with Sam Hauser and Neemias Queta likely to step into starting roles, supported by Chris Boucher. Coach Joe Mazzulla aims to accelerate the pace of play while maintaining the Celtics’ three-point shooting prowess. While the team remains competitive—projected to hover around a .500 record—they are viewed as less formidable compared to previous seasons. There are expectations that players will grow into their new roles, equipping the team with more depth for Tatum’s eventual return. However, whether this leads to immediate success remains a topic of discussion.
Indiana Pacers
The situation in Indiana appears equally daunting. With Haliburton on the sidelines for the season, the franchise is also grappling with a strategic shift as Myles Turner has opted for a discounted deal and is now with the Milwaukee Bucks. Losing Haliburton, a key player instrumental in the Pacers’ favored up-tempo style, puts the team in a precarious position.
Last season provided glimpses into the Pacers’ capabilities without Haliburton, but they struggled to find defensive consistency and offensive explosiveness, which are essential for success in the NBA.
Now, Pascal Siakam is positioned to be the focal point of the offense, likely to accumulate impressive statistics. However, the team’s depth will heavily rely on a collection of young role players, including Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, Ben Sheppard, and Obi Toppin. While some players may rise to the occasion—Nembhard could even be a contender for Most Improved Player—it will be a tall order to expect consistent performances across the board.
As it stands, both teams have their sights set on a future once their star players return. For this season, both Boston and Indiana appear to be recalibrating while fostering the development of their roster until they can once again contend in the Eastern Conference.
