Is the Current Celtics Roster Superior to the 2024 Championship Team?

Expectations for the Boston Celtics were low heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. Key departures and injuries had many projecting a lower-tier finish in the Eastern Conference.

Roster upheaval before the season

Jayson Tatum began the year sidelined with an Achilles injury. Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday were traded before the season started. Veterans Al Horford and Luke Kornet left in free agency.

Internal growth under Joe Mazzulla

Coach Joe Mazzulla and his staff guided notable internal development. Several role players improved significantly under their direction. That progress created a Cinderella-style turnaround.

Midseason momentum and Tatum’s return

Tatum has since returned to the rotation. He adjusted quickly and made an immediate impact. His comeback has sharpened Boston’s threat level in the East.

Team identity and style of play

The 2025 Celtics play with grit and strong defensive focus. Their offense is less predictable than in past seasons. The roster attacks all three scoring levels evenly, rather than relying mostly on perimeter shots.

Comparisons to the 2024 title squad

Discussion has begun over whether the current Celtics roster now outmatches the 2024 championship team. A recent Backyard Buckets video argued this iteration may be the best Boston has fielded in years. Critics point to the offseason departures and Tatum’s injury as counterarguments.

Where to follow the debate

The Backyard Buckets breakdown is available on YouTube. The Celtics Chronicle podcast also covers the topic. Find that program on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and Substack.

Filmogaz.com will continue tracking the team’s progress. Until the playoffs provide final answers, questions about whether this current Celtics roster is superior to the 2024 championship team will persist.