What happened: Jayson Tatum said he is very comfortable taking a bigger leadership role with the Boston Celtics after Jaylen Brown's move to the Philadelphia 76ers. The move ended a nine-year Tatum-Brown pairing, which Brad Stevens attributed to on-court fit.

Why it matters: Boston opens the 2026-27 preseason remaking its offense around Tatum as its lone veteran star. How quickly the new group settles will shape the Celtics' place in the Eastern Conference race.

What to watch: Watch Boston's preseason rotation and who starts alongside Tatum in the opener.