ESPN has a pessimistic projection for the Celtics in 2026-27

Expectations aren’t all that high for a revamped Boston Celtics’ team in 2026-27. 

Even with the addition of big man Mitchell Robinson and the elevated expectations for a healthy Jayson Tatum after being more than a year removed from rupturing his Achilles tendon, ESPN mapped out a discouraging preview of the Eastern Conference field next season — at least from Boston’s perspective. 

As part of their predictions, ESPN had the Celtics finishing fifth in the conference with a record of 48-34 — behind the New York Knicks (53 wins), Detroit Pistons (53 wins), Cleveland Cavaliers (51 wins), and the Philadelphia 76ers (50 wins). 

It would be the first time the Celtics have finished a season with fewer than 50 wins since the 2020-21 season, when Boston went just 36-36. 

As expected, some of that pessimism on the part of ESPN’s Vincent Goodwill is rooted in both the decision to trade away star Jaylen Brown to the 76ers and the lackluster return that Boston secured in that swap, headlined by 36-year-old Paul George. 

“Boston is banking on a full season from Jayson Tatum – the star forward played just 16 games last season after returning from an Achilles tear — and hoping Paul George can stay upright and healthy long enough for coach Joe Mazzulla to work his regular-season magic once again,” Goodwill noted. 

Tatum’s health will be worth monitoring in 2026-27 in his first full season back from such a devastating injury, especially after the Celtics star eventually missed Boston’s season-ending loss to the Sixers in Game 7 in May due to “left knee stiffness”. 

George may not be the same franchise wing he was during his prime years with the Pacers and Thunder, but the veteran could still bring value to Boston as a versatile “3-and-D” fixture on Joe Mazzulla’s roster.

But George has labored at times in recent years when it comes to staying on the court. Over the last five seasons split between the Clippers and Sixers, George has only appeared in 239 out of a possible 410 games.

Despite those injury woes, the Celtics could surprise some in a potential retooling campaign — especially if Tatum thrives as an undisputed No. 1 option, pickups like George and Mitchell Robinson address lingering roster flaws, and younger wings like Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Scheierman continue to grow and develop. 

 

Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.