Concentration could be an issue as the ceremony will certainly be emotional. The Celtics' quest for Banner 18 was an arduous process that included multiple playoff heartbreaks, and the ceremony will serve as a celebration of the end of that journey. And then a new journey begins shortly afterwards.

“It's a lot of emotions, this is the first time we've all gone through something like this,” Center said Al Horford said. “I think it's just about really enjoying the moment and focusing on the next thing we have to do. I feel like I'm trying to take things one step at a time. Enjoy the moment and get back to work.”

That's the goal, but players realize it will be a challenge to quickly transition to basketball.

“I feel like it's starting to become a reality that we're getting ready for this and the day is (Tuesday),” Horford said. “All the time I'm just very grateful for the position I'm in. The fact that I have my wife, my children and my parents there. It will just be special. But I don’t know exactly what it will be like.”

It could also be an emotional evening for the families. Ean HorfordAl's son, fought back tears during the final moments of NBA Finals Game 5 in June.

“That was powerful, that was very special,” Horford said of his son. “It was special for him because he had dreamed of it and when he saw himself in that moment it hit him. When I watch the video, I get emotional. It's very special for him to be with me and for this to happen in the garden and for us to share this moment, it's just very special. I know he will never forget it.”

Horford can't wait to get started

Horford is expected to be in the starting lineup, but the club will monitor his minutes as he enters his 18th season. Horford did not play in the first four preseason games Luke Kornet Most starts start with the first session. Kornet fared well, but coach Joe Mazzulla I wouldn't commit to one lineup.

Horford said he felt fresh after the final preseason game and was prepared for a solid workload. With Kristaps Porzingis After elimination, Mazzulla must maneuver the middle position and first find ways to defend the skilled and versatile cities.

“With it being a shortened preseason, it’s a little different, but I feel like I’m in a position where I should be ready to go,” Horford said. “I feel good about our group, our team and the few weeks we had to prepare for everything. I’m just looking forward to finally getting started again.”

Porzingis, who was sidelined Tuesday due to rehabilitation surgery on his left tibial tendon, is expected to miss at least the first two months of the season.

Roster set

After renunciation Lonnie Walker On Saturday, the Celtics finalized their roster until Monday at 5 p.m. The Celtics will carry 14 players into the season and three players – JD Davison, Drew PetersonAnd Anthony Watson — for two-way contracts. The Celtics could have kept Walker with their 15th pick, but the luxury tax because the club is in the second salary cap would have been $11 million on Walker's $2.6 million deal.

Walker can report to G League Maine or sign with another club, but for now he remains without a team. The Pelicans secured the former second-round pick Brandon Boston Jr.which the Spurs waived before the deadline.

If they choose not to add a player on a standard contract, the Celtics can sign an add-on to a 10-day contract starting January 5.

Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.