Regarding the tanking aspect, however, head coach Joe Mazzulla didn't even want to bring that up, saying that he doesn't pay attention to it and that he has a responsibility to the fans in Boston and the players in Boston to go out every single night and do his best job to ensure the team has a chance to win.

The former Celtics big man will have to work his way into Portland’s rotation. The Blazers have leaned on Donovan Clingan as their starter thus far, with Duop Reath and first-round pick Yang Hansen coming off the bench. It’s unclear how Williams fits in the front court, but getting him back on the court is still a positive sign.

Of course, the Celtics are still not at the necessary level to be viewed as a contending team. In fact, they're at least one elite-level player and a Jayson Tatum return away from being back to the necessary skill level of a contending roster.

If the Celtics can figure out how to build on that performance, they could be a sleeper team in the Eastern Conference, despite all of the cost-cutting moves the front office made during the summer. In a recent episode of the "Hoops Tonight" podcast,

The Boston Celtics have gotten some positive injury news on Jaylen Brown ahead of their matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets have announced their first fives for Saturday night's encounter between the two proud squads, both of whom have righted t

Nevertheless, the Celtics must make do with what they're working with. After all, there's no single trade that could suddenly get the team back on track. In truth, it may take a year or two before Mazzulla is coaching a contending-level roster again.