Each NBA team’s projected starting lineup for 2023–24
By Cal Durrett
NBA Projected starting lineup: Boston Celtics
Point Guard: Jrue Holiday
Shooting Guard: Jaylen Brown
Small Forward: Jayson Tatum
Power Forward: Al Horford
Center: Kristaps Porzingis
After a disappointing playoff finish where they lost to the Miami Heat at home in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics seemed eager to make changes. The biggest changes involved trading Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies in a 3-team deal for all-star Kristaps Porzingis and recently adding Jrue Holiday.
Porzingis had a bounceback year with the Wizards, proving that he could still play while Holiday had a career-best season for the Bucks. While there are injury concerns that come along with the Unicorn, he’ll still help to bolster the Celtics’ front court, playing alongside fellow starter Al Horford.
Horford is entering his 17th season and definitely slowing down, so Porzingis should be a welcome addition on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, the Celtics’ backcourt got a makeover after swapping up Smart and Brogdon and upgrading with Holiday, who’s a lockdown defender and an improved shooter, making him a perfect fit.
Still, the Celtics starting lineup will revolve around superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who each had career years last season. If they can continue to play at a high level, then the addition of Porzingis and Holiday could be enough to get the Celtics back to the NBA Finals.