Three bold predictions for the 2026 Celtics

The first prediction is that Payton Pritchard will average over 20 points per game. We saw Pritchard take a huge leap in 2025, increasing his minutes, scoring, and efficiency, which won him the 6th-man of the year award. With such dramatic roster turnover, Pritchard will enter the season as the starting point guard, giving him an even bigger role. 
Pritchard averaged nearly eleven shots per game in 2025, but who's to say he doesn't shoot between fifteen and seventeen a game? Defenses will be primarily focused on Jaylen Brown forcing him to give up the ball, leaving Pritchard with space to capitalize. Joe Mazzulla's offense is predicated on shooting threes, and with little paint presence on the roster, this will lead to even more perimeter-based play where Payton does his best work. 
The combination of an increased role, the offensive system, and Jaylen Brown being the focal point of the offense is why Payton Pritchard will average over 20 points in the 2026 season. 

The 2nd bold prediction is Derrick White making the all-star team. White has seen his minutes increase in every season he has played for the Celtics, thus leading to an increase in offensive production every season. I expect this pattern to continue in 2026. 
Joe Mazzulla's three-point shooting based offense will also benefit Derrick White. His three-point attempts have steadily increased up to nearly 10 a game, and with an increased offensive role, he very well could lead the NBA in three-point attempts. 
On top of his lethal shooting abilities, White is an excellent driver to the rim. The threat of the three-point shot will open up opportunities for floater shots and layups. With an increased offensive role along with his defensive prowess, White will be an all-star in 2026. 

The final bold prediction for the 2026 season is Joe Mazzulla winning coach of the year. The biggest knock against Joe has been the fact that his teams have been extremely talented, but now that is not the case. The betting lines for the Celtics win projection have been roughly between 40 and 42 wins. If the Celtics' were to win 50 games or land a high seed, this would give him a great chance at the award.
This may seem far-fetched, but the current state of the Eastern Conference is extremely weak, with only two clear contenders in the Cavaliers and Knicks. Teams such as the 76ers, Bucks, Magic, and Pacers are all complete wildcards as to how they will do. A 50-win team could potentially land the 3rd or 4th seed in the conference. 
The Celtics have also been fantastic without Jayson Tatum under Joe Mazzulla, posting a 20-6 record. Of course, this was with a more talented roster that was facing subpar teams. However, this is still relevant because the Celtics will face plenty of teams they are more talented than while also having a full season of adapting to playing without Tatum as opposed to one or two days. 
The lowered expectations, a history of playing well without Jayson Tatum, and the state of the Eastern Conference are why Joe Mazzulla will win coach of the year in 2026.