Ever wonder what happens when a team loses its key big men? The Boston Celtics are about to find out! And on the gridiron, the Jacksonville Jaguars are unleashing a two-way phenom that could change everything. Will these calculated risks pay off for their respective teams this season?

As the new basketball and football seasons approach, two prominent franchises, the Boston Celtics and the Jacksonville Jaguars, face pivotal decisions and high expectations surrounding key roster developments that could significantly impact their campaigns.

The Boston Celtics, fresh off a tumultuous offseason, find themselves in a precarious position regarding their starting center role following the departures of Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet. This sudden void necessitates a first-time starter stepping into a crucial frontcourt position, unless the organization opts for an external acquisition.

Despite the apparent need, an NBA insider, Brett Siegel of Clutchpoints, suggests that a pre-season trade for frontcourt depth is highly improbable. Siegel indicates that the Celtics organization is keen on observing the developmental trajectory of Neemias Queta, signaling a strategic investment in homegrown talent over immediate market solutions.

Queta, who saw limited action last season with an average of 13.9 minutes per game, now stands alongside Luka Garza as the primary candidates for the starting center spot. While Garza offers a more potent offensive skillset, Queta is recognized for his superior defensive capabilities, presenting the Celtics with a choice between different stylistic approaches.

Should the internal development of Queta or Garza not meet expectations, the Celtics may revisit their trade strategy around the deadline, providing both players with an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their full potential. Last season, Queta averaged five points and 3.8 rebounds, while Garza contributed 3.5 points and 1.4 rebounds with the Timberwolves.

Meanwhile, in the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars are poised to reap immediate rewards from their significant investment in dynamic wide receiver and cornerback, Travis Hunter. Hunter, the highly touted No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has made a rapid recovery from an upper-body injury sustained in mid-August, silencing early concerns.

General Manager James Gladstone confirmed Hunter’s readiness for Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, stating the versatile athlete is “on the grass today and rolling full speed.” Crucially, the Jaguars maintain their plan for Hunter to play both offense and defense, emphasizing his unique two-way impact as envisioned when he was drafted.

Hunter’s collegiate career at Colorado, where he won the Heisman Trophy, underscored his exceptional ability to excel as a star on both sides of the ball, logging 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, alongside 35 tackles and four interceptions. The Jaguars’ bold move to trade up to secure Hunter, involving multiple high-value draft picks, reflects their conviction in his transformative potential.

These converging narratives—the Boston Celtics navigating their center depth with Neemias Queta and the Jacksonville Jaguars unleashing Travis Hunter’s dual-threat prowess—highlight the evolving strategies and calculated risks teams are undertaking as they gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating season across both leagues.