The Dream starting 5 for the Celtics 5 years from now

C: Onyeka Okongwu

The Celtics have three centers on their current roster, but all of them could be gone in five years. Al Horford is 37 years old and figures to be retired by the start of the 2028-29 season. Kristaps Porzingis will be 33, but his injury history suggests he will be more of a backup big man at that point. Robert Williams has also struggled to stay healthy and will turn 31 before training camp begins in five years.

The Celtics need a prime center to boost their championship odds. Onyeka Okongwu has played behind Clint Capela in Atlanta, but his time is coming. The 6’8 big man is a restricted free agent in 2024 and could be looking for a new deal in 2028.

Last season, Okongwu averaged 9.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game. He won’t stretch the floor, but the Celtics will need a rim protector and rebounder to anchor their defense. Okongwu will be in the middle of his prime and ready to help his team win a championship.

The Boston Celtics will still have Jayson Tatum in five years, but what will the roster look like around him? It won’t be easy to acquire talent with the new second apron rules, but expect Boston to find a way to stay competitive.

9 Players the Boston Celtics gave up on way too soon

Heading down memory lane, we explore and break down nine players that the Boston Celtics seemed to have given up on too soon.