Meet the Celtics’ Game-Changer: Which Newcomer Could Rewrite the Season’s Story?

The Boston Celtics’ landscape is undergoing a whirlwind transformation heading into the 2025-26 campaign. After savoring the sweet taste of the 2024 title, the front office, led by Brad Stevens, found itself navigating uncharted territory—no offseason autopilot this time around. Instead, the team was compelled to reassemble a nucleus that once seemed set in stone, all while maneuvering under the tight constraints of the salary cap’s second apron. Yes, the familiar faces from last season have mostly moved on, and the air is thick with both nostalgia and anticipation. But rather than dwelling on who’s departed, we’re zeroing in on the fresh legs and new hopes now suiting up in green. From Anfernee Simons to Chris Boucher, Luka Garza to Josh Minott, and rookie Hugo Gonzalez, this revival isn’t just about filling gaps but redefining the Celtics’ identity in a critical “gap year”—especially with Jayson Tatum still sidelined rehabbing his Achilles. The question looms large: which of these new Celtics will carve out their space and capture the city’s imagination? Buckle up—“Lawn Mower” Minott and high-motor prospect Gonzalez may just be the sparks that ignite this evolving squad. LEARN MORE

After the Boston Celtics’ 2024 title season, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens basically put the team on offseason autopilot while bringing back nearly an identical roster the following season. Stevens didn’t have that luxury this past summer, as the Celtics were forced to overhaul that championship core in a quest to dip below the prohibitive second apron.

So much energy has been spent lamenting the players who went out of town — and understandably so given what they delivered here — but in Part 2 of our annual Ramp to Camp series, we’re asking our panel to pick which newcomer they’re most excited to watch this season. 

Boston’s roster is likely to feature at least five new faces in Anfernee Simons, Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, Josh Minott and rookie Hugo Gonzalez. The team will also have three new two-way players in Max Shulga, Amari Williams, and RJ Luis Jr., but we’ll tackle their potential impact in a later installment of this series.

With Jayson Tatum sidelined by his Achilles rehab, the Celtics are going to look very different than the past two seasons when the 2025-26 season tips. Recent draftees like Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman also should see increased opportunity this season. But which newcomer is most likely to distinguish themselves?

Summer might be fading, but Lawn Mower season hasn’t even started. “Lawn Mower” is the nickname that Minott inadvertently coined for himself after a Summer League game in 2022. In a postgame interview, the energy-gushing Minott suggested he’s “like a lawn mower: Once I got going, I just kept going.”

If the Celtics are to compensate for the obvious talent drain while watching Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Luke Kornet, and (eventually) Al Horford relocate this summer, then they might need to make up for it with hustle and grit.

The 22-year-old Minott has only scratched the surface of his obvious potential after playing fewer than 500 minutes in three seasons in Minnesota. We suspect his blend of size (6-foot-8) and athleticism could open the door to minutes in the frontcourt, where he’ll get more time to show off his potential. 

He can win immediate time with his defensive toolbox: rebounding, blocking shots, and using that 6-foot-11 wingspan to disrupt his defensive assignments. His leaping ability is well-documented — just ask poor Derrick White, whom Minott dunked over in a game in Minnesota — but Minott’s development on that end of the floor could be the key to just how much he blossoms here.

Pull the cord, and let the Lawn Mower rumble.

Here’s a look at who our panel chose:

Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor

Hugo Gonzalez.

Yes, he’s only 19 years old. No, he may not see extensive playing time as a rookie. But the opportunity for minutes is certainly there in this “gap year,” and Gonzalez’s skill set as a high-motor playmaker should make him a fun watch.

Developing Gonzalez into a full-time rotation player should be one of Boston’s top goals over the next few seasons.

Michael Hurley, Web Producer

Do you take N/A for an answer? I’m kidding! I think. I’ll have to go with Hugo Gonzalez, only for the rookie potential aspect.

I’ll be surprised if anyone turns out to be a Derrick White-type diamond in the rough. And I’m still not convinced Simons will play for the Celtics.

Sean McGuire, Web Producer

I’m expecting Anfernee Simons to be tasked with leading the second unit, and I’m excited to see how the veteran guard does in that role.

Simons averaged more than 32 minutes per game in each of the last three seasons and is a proven scorer. Given the C’s need to make up for some of the scoring they lost, he feels like he could be a crucial piece — especially if he shoots eight or nine 3-pointers per game, like he did in each of the last three campaigns with Portland.

Josh Canu, Media Editor

Hugo Gonzalez.

The Celtics haven’t been in a position the last few years to work a rookie into a sizeable role, but with four of Boston’s top six from last season not in the mix for this season, Hugo could carve out some consistent minutes if he proves he is ready.

I was surprised they brought him over right away, but that is an indication they feel he is ready to contribute. So let the hype train leave the station!

Max Lederman, Content Producer

My first instinct is to name Hugo Gonzalez because his draft pedigree and psycho motor, but why not Minott?

Josh Minott is not a great shooter and has only played 463 minutes in his first three seasons in the NBA, but he has the potential to be an impact wing defender and flashed playmaking juice during his lone season in college at Memphis.

His nickname is also “Lawn Mower,” so I can’t wait to hear what Drew Carter cooks up for him this season. 

Kevin Miller, VP, Content

Hugo Gonzalez.

His effort and tenacity will be a crowd-pleaser, but he’s super young and will need seasoning. I love his upside as a glue guy who can be a real difference-maker down the road in winning situations.

Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy

Chris Boucher.

After an offseason of attrition in the frontcourt, can Boucher be more than a bench guy?