The Boston Celtics have one of the most star-studded rosters in the league. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are leading the show, but they won the 2024 NBA Championship because of the depth of their top-end talent, not their top two stars alone. Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser round out an elite eight-man rotation.
But Boston’s talent pool doesn’t end there. Brad Stevens just re-signed three big men to the roster—Xavier Tillman, Luke Kornet, and Neemias Queta. Plus, Baylor Scheierman and Anton Watson were just drafted. Then there’s Jaden Springer, who could have some work to do this season.
At least, according to some people.
Jaden Springer has 'most to prove' but Celtics may let him walk
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently wrote an article detailing one player with the “most to prove” on every NBA roster this upcoming season. For the Celtics, he took a relatively unconventional route and chose Springer.
“Let's shift the spotlight much farther down the pecking order and shine it on Jaden Springer, a 21-year-old who's already racing against the clock,” Buckley wrote. “He has three NBA seasons under his belt, but only 602 NBA minutes on his career tally. His defense and hustle are both NBA-quality, but he needs to show he can contribute enough on the offensive end to not get schemed off the floor.”
The Celtics acquired Springer at the trade deadline last year, sending out a second-round pick in a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The youngster is already extremely talented on the defensive end, but as Buckley noted, his offensive game needs some work.
He showed some serious strides in that department during his one Summer League appearance for the Celtics this offseason, but he’ll have to do it on a regular basis if he wants to stick in Boston.
Springer’s contract is up at the end of the upcoming season, meaning the Celtics will have to give himf an extension if they wish to keep him around.
That’s where the problem lies.
Boston has one of the most expensive payrolls in the NBA. Wyc Grousbeck spent a ton of money helping lift the Celtics to a title, but his father, Irv, disagreed with the amount of spending. Now, the team is getting sold.
So, while Springer may end up showing a ton of improvement this year, his play may have nothing to do with whether or not the Celtics bring him back.
As much as it may be unfortunate, Springer’s spot on the team past this season could be strictly a financial decision.