The last time Tyler Zeller subbed into a game at TD Garden, he entered as a last-ditch effort for Brad Stevens to initiate consistent play against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. By the end of 2016-17 his role had transitioned into a hopeful spark plug in the front court two seasons after he started at center for Boston in the 2015 playoffs, Stevens’ first appearance as Celtics head coach.
Through combinations of trades and departures in free agency 11 players, including Zeller, departed Boston over the summer.