The Boston Celtics’ 2025-26 season finale was an ode to the organization’s exceptional player development program.
Boston’s “Stay Ready” culture was on full display in its 113-108 win over the Orlando Magic. The C’s sat eight rotation players, including all five starters, but still put on a show against a fully healthy Magic squad.
Baylor Scheierman, drafted at the end of the first round in 2024, led the way with a career-high 30 points. Ron Harper Jr., who couldn’t get minutes with Toronto or Detroit, erupted for 27 points just days after having his two-way contract converted to a standard NBA deal. Luka Garza added 27 points and 12 rebounds to wrap up a standout campaign after failing to carve out a consistent role in Minnesota.
The B Team’s big night wasn’t a huge surprise to anyone who has followed the Celtics closely in recent years. Boston’s bench unit is nicknamed the “Stay Ready Group” for a reason.
Payton Pritchard (2020 26th overall pick), Sam Hauser (undrafted), and Jordan Walsh (2023 38th overall pick) are prime examples of players who have made tremendous strides in the C’s development program. This season, 20-year-old rookie Hugo Gonzalez (2025 28th overall pick) showcased his two-way potential on several occasions.
Big man Neemias Queta has revitalized his NBA career with help from Boston’s player development system. The C’s gave him a chance after he was waived by the Sacramento Kings in 2023, and he has since become a difference-maker in Boston’s frontcourt. He made a solid case for the Most Improved Player award with an outstanding 2025-26 season as the Celtics’ starting center.
In summary, if you’re drafted by the Celtics and you put in the work, chances are you’ll turn into an impactful NBA player. Otherwise…
“If you’re not getting better here, it might be your fault,” C’s president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg.
Forsberg sat down with Stevens, Joe Mazzulla, Pritchard, Queta, Walsh, Scheierman, Harper Jr., and Gonzalez to take a deeper look inside the Celtics’ “player development machine.” The group spoke about how the development program has been the key to the organization’s sustained success.
Watch the full video on YouTube below, or via the player above:
