It’s hard not to feel like the Celtics’ roster has completely transformed over the last few seasons. They practically cleaned house last summer, shedding Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet. And that trend has only continued this offseason with the Jaylen Brown blockbuster trade.
So, it’s understandable if some fans may feel disenchanted or frustrated by the fact that a team that cruised to a title just two years ago already looks completely different. But the truth is, that’s just the reality of the modern NBA, and despite what feels like constant change, the Celtics actually have as much longevity on their roster as any team in the league.
Since the 2021-22 season, only 12 teams in the NBA have more than one player left on their roster, and not a single team in the league has more than four players left.
How much does the NBA change over in 5 years?????
— Law Murray ♣️ (@LawMurrayTheNU) July 22, 2026
None of the 30 NBA teams have more than 4 players left from the 2021-22 rosters
Only 12 teams have more than ONE player left. And only six coaches from 2021-22 too (Carlisle, Spoelstra, Finch, Daigneault, Kerr, Lue) pic.twitter.com/6Jiz7QlQgE
Boston is tied with the Magic and Nuggets, leading the way with four players remaining from the team’s roster a mere five years ago. For the Celtics, those players are Jayson Tatum, Derrick White (who was acquired at the 2022 trade deadline), Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser.
Celtics continuity is greater than it seems
So, while that means that 11 of the 15 roster spots have turned over, and many players have come and gone within that five-year window, the Celtics still have four key players in the rotation who have been with the team for five straight seasons. And clearly, in today’s NBA, that’s a modern miracle that makes them a model for consistency and continuity.
Beyond the Magic and Nuggets, the Pelicans are the only team that even has three players left on the team, and six teams don’t have a single player remaining, a number that will jump to seven if the Kawhi Leonard trade ends up going through and he leaves the Clippers.
Complain about the Celtics and all the changes if you want, but your real gripe is with the NBA, the era of player movement, and the new CBA. The league is set up for teams to have short windows, to make tough decisions with key players, and to be constantly changing things up.
It’s a harsh reality in a lot of ways, but it’s important to provide some context. For all the fans who feel aggrieved by what the team has done in the last few years, keep in mind that Brad Stevens has kept this roster intact as much as any team in the entire league. This is just the age we live in.
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