The Boston Celtics have etched their names in the annals of NBA history with a resounding 2024-2025 championship triumph, a crowning achievement to their dominant regular season and relentless postseason campaign. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown anchored a juggernaut, Kristaps Porziņģis added rim protection and shot versatility, and Jrue Holiday proved to be the defensive heartbeat. Derrick White’s clutch shooting, Joe Mazzulla’s system, and Brad Stevens’ roster architecture formed a near-perfect storm. But even with that championship banner barely hoisted to the rafters of TD Garden, the work of maintaining a title-contending team is never done. The Eastern Conference remains competitive, with the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat lurking. In this perpetual arms race, the Celtics should seriously consider a low-risk, high-reward move—taking a flyer on former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz.
To the casual observer, the idea of Markelle Fultz in a Celtics uniform might seem puzzling. After all, Fultz’s career has been plagued by injuries and unmet expectations ever since he entered the league as the top selection in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, that initial disappointment shouldn’t define the 26-year-old guard. In fact, what Fultz has done in the face of adversity—his resurgence in Orlando, his improved court vision, his steady perimeter defense—suggests he may still have untapped potential. More importantly, it indicates that he could thrive in the right system surrounded by elite talent.
The Celtics, fresh off a dominant season, don’t necessarily need to overhaul their rotation, but smart franchises stay ahead of the curve by shoring up areas of potential vulnerability before they become issues. The Celtics’ backcourt depth remains functional but is one or two injuries away from exposing major gaps. In such a scenario, Fultz could be an ideal insurance policy. Not only does he offer secondary playmaking behind Holiday and White, but he brings perimeter size and defensive agility—two attributes that align perfectly with Boston’s switching defensive scheme.
Fultz’s journey from prized prospect to overlooked contributor is one of the more misunderstood arcs in modern NBA history. He entered the league with immense expectations, having showcased elite shot creation and vision at the University of Washington. His rookie season, however, was derailed by a shoulder injury and a mysterious case of thoracic outlet syndrome that wreaked havoc on his shooting mechanics. The national media branded him a bust prematurely, and his stint in Philadelphia ended in a quiet trade to the Orlando Magic. There, Fultz began to find his footing. Though still inconsistent, he flashed improved control of the offense, a reliable mid-range game, and—crucially—renewed confidence.
In the 2022-2023 season, Fultz averaged 14 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting over 51% from the field. While his three-point shot remained suspect, his ability to attack the rim, operate in the mid-range, and create for others kept defenses honest. Perhaps more telling was his impact defensively. Standing 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Fultz used his frame to pester opposing guards and offer versatility in defensive matchups. He’s not the hyper-elite stopper that Jrue Holiday is, but he can switch effectively and hold his own against both guards and wings—a valuable asset in postseason scenarios where teams exploit mismatches.
The Celtics, who have prioritized defensive versatility under Mazzulla, could use a player like that off the bench. While Payton Pritchard is a serviceable spark plug with long-range shooting and hustle, he lacks size and struggles in defensive matchups against larger, more physical guards. Fultz, by contrast, can offer a different look—one that leans on size and defense rather than spacing. It’s the kind of chess piece that makes a difference in a seven-game playoff series.
Furthermore, Fultz’s skill set complements Boston’s existing personnel. He wouldn’t need to be a high-usage scorer, nor would he be expected to run the offense as a primary point guard. Instead, he could slide into the second unit, orchestrate offense in short stints, and thrive in transition—where Boston increasingly finds success. He’s also a capable cutter, which could make him a dangerous off-ball weapon alongside the likes of Tatum, Brown, and Porziņģis, especially when the defense focuses on Boston’s stars.
The financial aspect of this gamble is another reason why Boston should consider it. Fultz is an unrestricted free agent and is unlikely to command a substantial salary due to his injury history and inconsistent outside shooting. A short-term, team-friendly deal—possibly even a non-guaranteed contract—could allow the Celtics to evaluate his fit without sacrificing financial flexibility. If it works, the Celtics gain a valuable piece for the present and possibly the future. If it doesn’t, they move on without significant consequences. That’s the very definition of a low-risk, high-reward scenario.
And the intangible upside cannot be ignored. Championship teams don’t just win with top-end talent; they win with culture, resilience, and hunger. Fultz, humbled by the early stages of his career, has shown a level of maturity and determination that would resonate within Boston’s locker room. He knows what it’s like to be written off. He’s familiar with navigating expectations and criticism. That kind of mental toughness can inspire and motivate a team chasing back-to-back titles.
In addition, bringing Fultz into the fold could allow Boston to experiment more in the regular season. Mazzulla has already shown a willingness to tinker with unconventional lineups—sometimes playing five wings or using Porziņģis in the high post to unlock spacing. With Fultz, the Celtics could try out guard-heavy configurations that put pressure on defenses with dribble penetration and perimeter switches, all while giving stars like Holiday and White some rest throughout the 82-game grind.
The case for Fultz becomes even more compelling when you examine the Celtics’ historical willingness to rehabilitate careers and maximize value from players others gave up on. Isaiah Thomas became an MVP candidate in Boston after being cast off by other teams. Al Horford was thought to be on the decline before returning and proving invaluable on both ends. Even Derrick White’s ascent into one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards happened after Boston bet on his potential. In the right environment, role players often become difference-makers—and Fultz could be next.
The narrative potential is also noteworthy. Imagine the redemption arc: Fultz, once the poster child for NBA draft busts, joins the league’s most storied franchise and becomes a crucial part of a championship defense. It’s the kind of story that galvanizes fans, energizes teammates, and builds legacies. There’s something poetic about Boston, a city that reveres grit and perseverance, giving Fultz the stage to rewrite his NBA script.
Of course, skepticism is fair. Fultz’s lack of a consistent outside shot remains a concern, especially in an era where spacing is vital. Opposing defenses could sag off him, daring him to shoot from the perimeter. But this risk can be mitigated with smart lineups. Surround Fultz with shooters—Hauser, White, Horford, or even a healthy Porziņģis—and the spacing concerns diminish. Moreover, Fultz has shown an ability to score efficiently inside the arc, and if he continues refining his jumper even marginally, the calculus shifts in his favor.
There’s also the question of health. Fultz has played in only 257 games across seven seasons, a number that reflects both his early injuries and the cautious approach Orlando took with his development. However, his most recent campaigns indicate improved durability. In the 2022-2023 season, he played in 60 games—his highest since entering the league—and looked physically strong. With Boston’s world-class medical staff and structured workload management, he may finally get the consistency his body needs.
And from a team dynamics standpoint, Fultz is a low-maintenance, team-first player. He’s not someone who will come in and disrupt the established hierarchy. There’s no ego at play, no off-court baggage. By all accounts, he’s a quiet worker who wants to help his team win. That mindset fits seamlessly into Boston’s locker room, which has thrived on unselfishness and role clarity. Whether it’s as a situational defender, a second-unit facilitator, or even just a steady bench presence, Fultz has the versatility and temperament to thrive.
As the Celtics enter a new season with the target on their back, the path to repeating will not be smooth. Every team will be gunning for them. The margin for error shrinks in a championship defense, and depth becomes more than a luxury—it becomes a necessity. Injuries, fatigue, and regression are all real variables. Adding a player like Fultz is not just a creative bet; it’s a proactive measure. It’s the type of nuanced move that championship front offices make to stay ahead of the curve.
Ultimately, the best organizations blend pragmatism with vision. They don’t merely build around talent; they cultivate ecosystems where players, even flawed ones, can thrive. Markelle Fultz may never become the All-Star he was projected to be in 2017, but he doesn’t have to be. In Boston, all he needs to be is solid, dependable, and ready. Given the Celtics’ infrastructure and culture, there’s a legitimate chance he can be all three—and more.
So while the headlines may remain focused on Boston’s star core, the quiet addition of Markelle Fultz could become a subplot that proves pivotal in their title defense. If Brad Stevens is as sharp as he’s proven to be, he should at least kick the tires on this opportunity. Because sometimes, the biggest wins come not from blockbuster moves, but from bold bets on overlooked talent. And in Markelle Fultz, the Celtics just might find the kind of player who tips the scales when it matters most.
