Marcus Smart is also part of that core, though he’s a tad older than the other two and likely won’t ever be considered part of a “Big Three.”

Those three players are locked into starting lineup roles on opening night, likely across the point guard-to-small forward positions. The power forward and center positions are slightly more fluid, but will likely invite Horford back into the starting lineup, as well as Robert Williams, who supercharged the team during his brief time as a starter last season. Last year’s first-round flameout is a sign of concern, though; this year’s starting lineup will need to prove the regression is just a flake.

Here’s how the Celtics’ five starters rank for the coming season.