The Celtics are the surprise story of the NBA as we enter the All-Star Break with the fourth-best record in the league despite playing without star Jayson Tatum for the entire year. The team now is poised to make some noise entering the East playoffs with the possibility of Tatum’s return looming, but there are plenty of questions to answer about the roster in this week’s mailbag.

Hi Brian,

The Celtics social media page recently had a timeline of Vucevic’s first day after the trade. It showed him arriving, doing the press conference, stretching, film work, etc. It’s got to be stressful even for a veteran. It got me thinking of some random stuff. Does the team put him up in a hotel for x number of days until he finds his own place? What about his family- do they fly them out to Boston? He mentioned he’ll watch video on his own over the break. Does the CBA require players stay away from team facilities during this time? Would otherwise seem to be a good time to work with the staff. Curious if you know. Thanks. —Andy

The behind the scenes of a trade does not get much attention but the stuff you bring up matters a lot, especially for a veteran like Vucevic that has a family. A team definitely has the ability to put Vucevic up in a hotel for several weeks after a deal as they deal with relocation. Some may just opt to stay in a hotel for the rest of the season since they obviously have the cash to be able to afford that. Rumor has it that Doc Rivers lived in a hotel in Boston during some of his seasons as coach.

As far as family goes, I think that’s strictly a decision that’s based on the player and the situation. With Vucevic, his contract will likely come into play in some form. He’s not guaranteed to be in Boston past this season since he’s on an expiring deal. Kids may also be in middle of a school year in their original homes. All tough decisions to deal with obviously and clearly why most players aren’t fans of being dealt in-season even though it’s a part of the business.

As far as the All-Star Break goes, players aren’t require to stay from facilities as far as I know but I think it’s encouraged. Coaches, training staff, etc. all Get at least some of the time off. Vucevic could probably come in and work at Auerbach if he wants but he’s probably being given plenty of film to do on his own to help get him up to speed. Joe Mazzulla already spoke highly of how hard he’s studying in his first week in Boston so that bodes well for the long-term with him.

My mailbag question: how will the Celtics fill the roster spots they opened up without going back over the tax? Thanks B Robb — Matt S

I’ll have a more in-depth post on this down the line but this is where the savvy of Brad Stevens, Mike Zarren, Dave Lewin and the rest of the Celtics front office comes into play. These guys have run all the numbers from where they are now (under the tax) and how they can stay there for the rest of the season while filling out the roster. It will involve a combination of 10-day contracts along with some rookie deals in all likelihood with potentially a late-season veteran signing as well. The first step will come on Feb. 19 when Boston will need to get back up to 14 players, at least temporarily.

These guys have probably mapped out ways for month where they could dip under the tax line if the opportunity presented itself. That’s exactly what happened once the Anfernee Simons for Nikola Vucevic deal came to reality, since it suddenly put getting under the tax line within reach without taking away from the core of the roster.

Will Nikola Vucevic end up starting for the Celtics once he gets acclimated or do you see him coming off the bench — George D

His early minutes in Boston (26) certainly suggest it could be a possibility he ultimately ends up in the starting five. However, the prediction here is he stays put as a reserve. Neemias Queta has been steady as a starter all year long and Vucevic is an easy target for opposing offenses in the pick-and-roll. Those challenges for him will only grow if he’s facing the starters every night.

That’s not to say he won’t end up closing out some games. His offensive versatility and shooting range will create some more headaches for defenses in late-game situations especially when Jayson Tatum is back on the floor. However, I’d still expect Queta to be in the game in those spots when possible for defense as well. Beyond that, I expect Mazzulla to protect Vucevic when possible by playing him against second units.