The Boston Celtics just won an NBA Championship, but what’s even more impressive is that they will be bringing back the same roster next year. Brad Stevens did a phenomenal job of keeping the squad together now and for the future. Every player at the top of their rotation (outside of Al Horford) is under contract for multiple seasons.
Jayson Tatum just inked an extension this summer, as did Derrick White and Sam Hauser. Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday signed one before the playoffs, Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard signed one last summer, Jrue Holiday signed one before the postseason, and Kristaps Porzingis signed one right after the Celtics traded for him.
They have set themselves beautifully for the future, but what will their starting lineup look like in five years? Here’s the best-case scenario for their 2029 Opening Night starting lineup.
Point guard for the Boston Celtics: Derrick White
Age in 2029: 35 years old
This could be one of the final Derrick White seasons in the NBA, but he’s good enough to the point where he should still be balling out at this point. That said, White only has four years left on his current deal, so he would have to ink another contract with Boston for this to come to fruition.
White is the perfect all-around guard to play alongside Boston’s current superstars. He’s an elite three-point shooter, a two-time All-Defensive player, and one of the best shot-blocking guards in the NBA.
While some of his burst may have deteriorated by the time he is 35 years old, it’s not unreasonable to believe he could still be a very effective NBA player at that age.
Combine that with his postseason resume and the potential success he could have at that point with the Celtics, and this is a no-brainer.