Celtics Offense Receives “C” Grade Heading Into 2025-26

What will the Boston Celtics look like offensively in 2025-26?

The absence of Jayson Tatum has thrown some fans into panic mode, with Celtics pessimists assuming that a Jaylen Brown-centric offense won’t cut it.

Boston’s offense might not be as reliant on Brown as people think, though, especially when you take into account the kind of production that Payton Pritchard, Derrick White, Sam Hauser and Anfernee Simons bring to the table.

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz gave Boston’s new-look, Tatum-less offense a “C” grade on Thursday, empowering Celtics doubters.

“Reasons to Thrive: There’s not a whole lot of optimism here given the offseason losses this team suffered, although adding Anfernee Simons to the backcourt could be a strong fit alongside Derrick White for the Boston Celtics,” Swartz wrote.

“Simons, 26, is in a contract year and has averaged 20.7 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 37.4 percent from three over the past three seasons for the Portland Trail Blazers. Jaylen Brown, White and Payton Pritchard remain to help power the scoring attack.”

“Reasons to Struggle: The Celtics finished 2nd in offense last season yet will inevitably tumble down the rankings with no Jayson Tatum (injury), Kristaps Porziņģis or Jrue Holiday (trades),” Swartz continued.

“This is a depleted frontcourt with little offensive pulse that will depend on Brown to look like a No. 1 option, something he’s never been asked to do.”

Since Tatum entered the league, Brown has played in 39 games without JT, and his averages are good in those games: 27.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists.

While Swartz’s evaluation of Boston’s frontcourt is valid, he’s probably underselling the damage that Brown, Pritchard, White and Simons can do offensively (assuming Simons is on the roster when the season starts).