While it’s still early in training camp, first-round draft picks Aaron Nesmith and Payton Pritchard are showing that they might be ready to contribute immediately.

Some of Boston’s young players will get a chance to play some quality minutes with Tristan Thompson and Kemba Walker on the mend.

If Boston decides not to participate, the Celtics’ coach will need to get creative to continue the improvement of players like Tremont Waters and Tacko Fall.

Boston plays its first exhibition game on Dec. 15 and opens the regular season a week later.

New Celtics guard Jeff Teague has bounced around the league and has played for some poor teams in recent years.

Newly acquired center Tristan Thompson thinks winning a title with LeBron James will help him elevate the play of Jayson Tatum.

Kemba Walker will be out until at least January, but says he is pleased with how he feels after a stem-cell injection.

Kemba Walker received a stem cell injection in his left knee which will keep him out of the lineup until at least early January.

Gordon Hayward is gone and Tristan Thompson has arrived, and Boston seems to have improved the pieces surrounding Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Charlotte receives Gordon Hayward and two draft picks for a heavily protected 2022 second-round draft pick.