Who Celtics Writer Believes Could Be First Young Player To Crack Rotation

The 2025-26 Celtics season will focus on which young players step up to the challenge.

Due to significant roster changes this offseason, young players will be crucial in determining whether Boston makes the playoffs or falls into the NBA Draft lottery. Boston will look for some young players to step up and earn a spot in the rotation as several bench players move into the starting lineup.

MassLive Celtics reporter Brian Robb thinks forward Josh Minott has the best chance to be the first player to break into the lineup.

“I think we’ll see Josh Minott get a big chance early,” Robb wrote Friday. “He checks a box as a defensive-minded wing with athleticism that provided some encouraging glimpses in brief stints in Minnesota over the last few years.

“If he can outshine Jordan Walsh in training camp, it’s easy to envision him getting regular minutes off the bench, and he could even be a sleeper candidate to start, depending on how Joe Mazzulla constructs the rotation.”

Minott has played for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the last three seasons, averaging 2.6 points, one rebound and 0.4 assists in 93 games.

Boston signed Minott to a two-year deal during the offseason. With forward Jayson Tatum out due to an Achilles injury, Minott now has the opportunity to shine. Since only a few forwards stand above Minott on the depth chart, he finds himself in an ideal position to display his skills.