The Boston Celtics enter the new NBA season as one of the most loaded teams in basketball. With a core featuring Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis, the franchise’s championship window is wide open. But while the stars dominate headlines, the whispers out of Boston tell a different, equally important story: the role players waiting in the wings. Neemias Queta, Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza, Josh Minott, and Jordan Walsh aren’t household names yet, but insiders believe they could be the hidden keys to the Celtics’ banner chase.
In Boston, role players often make or break championship runs. Fans still remember how the “bench mob” of the 2008 title team provided energy, defense, and timely scoring. This season, the Celtics’ depth may be stronger than it’s been in years, thanks to a group of hungry, versatile players ready to prove they belong.
Neemias Queta: The Defensive Anchor in Waiting
At 7-foot, Neemias Queta has all the tools to become the Celtics’ new interior force. Last season, he showed flashes of elite rim protection and hustle, earning respect from teammates and coaches. With Robert Williams III now gone, the Celtics are searching for someone to patrol the paint, protect the rim, and control the glass.
Queta’s strength lies in his energy. He runs the floor hard, challenges every shot, and brings a physical presence opponents feel the moment he steps on the court. While Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis will continue to anchor the starting frontcourt, Queta’s emergence as a reliable defensive anchor off the bench could give Boston a safety net in critical moments. If he continues developing his footwork and timing, he could solidify himself as one of the most impactful backup centers in the league.
Baylor Scheierman: The Sharpshooter Built for Boston
Every Celtics fan knows that TD Garden comes alive when a shooter catches fire. Enter Baylor Scheierman. The second-year guard has quickly earned a reputation for his fearless three-point shooting and his ability to create offense in bursts.
Scheierman isn’t just a spot-up shooter—he has the confidence to pull up in transition, curl off screens, and punish defenders who hesitate. In a system that thrives on spacing for Tatum and Brown, his shooting could prove invaluable. If Scheierman can consistently knock down shots while holding his own defensively, he may become the type of instant-offense spark plug Boston has lacked in recent years.
For a fan base that reveres cold-blooded shooters—from Ray Allen to Eddie House—Scheierman has a chance to carve out his own place in Celtics lore.
Luka Garza: Old-School Toughness in the Paint
Luka Garza is a different kind of big man than Queta. He doesn’t rely on athleticism or length; instead, he uses sheer skill, physicality, and a throwback style of play. A dominant scorer at Iowa, Garza has carried that mentality to the NBA, where he punishes mismatches with post moves, soft touch around the rim, and relentless rebounding.
On a Celtics team that sometimes struggles against bruising frontcourts, Garza offers a unique change of pace. His ability to create offense in the halfcourt, crash the boards, and play with an edge makes him a valuable tool for coach Joe Mazzulla. While he may not log huge minutes, the minutes he does play could swing matchups, particularly in the playoffs when every possession counts.
Garza’s toughness is something Boston fans have always appreciated, and if he finds a steady role, he could become a fan favorite in record time.
Josh Minott: The Athlete with Breakout Potential
If you’re looking for a player who could come out of nowhere and have a breakout year, Josh Minott is the name to circle. The young forward is an athletic marvel—explosive, agile, and relentless. He plays with a motor that never stops, which translates to fast-break points, second-chance opportunities, and suffocating defense.
Minott’s versatility allows him to defend multiple positions, run the floor, and provide energy plays that can shift momentum. While his offensive game is still developing, his athletic tools make him the type of player who can impact a game without needing plays run for him.
On a team full of polished scorers, Minott’s ability to do the dirty work—diving for loose balls, pressuring ball handlers, attacking the rim—gives him a pathway to minutes. If he can harness his athleticism and develop consistency, the Celtics may have a gem on their hands.
Jordan Walsh: The Defensive Spark
Jordan Walsh may be the most intriguing of the group. Drafted for his defensive instincts and versatility, Walsh has already shown flashes of being the kind of player Boston has long valued—tough, disciplined, and willing to take on the hardest assignments.
At just 20 years old, Walsh already has the length and quickness to guard multiple positions. He thrives in the chaos of defensive rotations, closing out on shooters, and using his instincts to disrupt passing lanes. Offensively, he’s still finding his rhythm, but his willingness to shoot and his growing confidence bode well for his future.
For a team that prides itself on defense, Walsh’s development could be a game-changer. In a playoff series, having a young, versatile defender capable of giving stars like Jimmy Butler or Donovan Mitchell a tough time could prove invaluable.
Depth Could Be Boston’s Greatest Weapon
The Celtics will always lean on their stars to carry the scoring load, but history shows that depth often determines championships. Injuries, matchups, and the grind of an 82-game season make it essential to have contributors beyond the starting five.
Boston’s core is championship-caliber on its own, but the rise of players like Queta, Scheierman, Garza, Minott, and Walsh could elevate the Celtics from contenders to juggernauts. If even two or three of these young players break through, Boston’s bench could become the deepest in the East—and possibly the entire NBA.
The whispers in Boston are clear: these role players are ready to step into the spotlight. For a franchise that measures success only in banners, the stars may get the glory, but it’s the growth of the supporting cast that could decide whether Banner 18 finally rises to the rafters.
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