When Jayson Tatum went down with a torn Achilles this previous spring towards the New York Knicks, many thought the Boston Celtics would deal with this season as a spot 12 months of types. With Tatum’s damage and a number of departures that included Jrue Vacation, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet, the Celtics got here into this season with a variety of new faces.
With Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard as their new core, there have been questions on whether or not or not Boston would have the ability to compete. Up to now, the Celtics have answered the bell.
Boston has been one of many league’s greatest surprises to this point
Now 29 video games in, Boston finds themselves because the third seed within the East with an 18-11 file, and have been top-of-the-line groups within the league through the month of December. They’ve the NBA’s greatest offensive ranking this month (124.5), and their +12.0 internet ranking is simply second to Oklahoma Metropolis.
Brown has regarded like an All-NBA performer, Pritchard and White have stepped up as lead ball-handlers, and younger guys like Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and Hugo Gonzalez have performed with infectious power and excessive defensive depth.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla deserves a ton of credit score for getting probably the most out of this roster. The Celtics appear to be an actual East contender.
Jayson Tatum’s looming return will elevate the Celtics
Tatum just lately confirmed to NBA insider Chris Haynes that he shall be returning this season. He didn’t give a concrete date, however we should always anticipate to see the ahead take the court docket in 2026.
When he’s wholesome, Tatum is without doubt one of the greatest gamers on the earth. He was the chief of Boston’s title-winning staff in 2024, has made 4 straight All-NBA first groups, and has two Olympic gold medals. His presence opens up a lot for the Celtics’ offense, and his effectiveness as a playmaker and connector is what makes Boston so harmful.
Anticipating Tatum to return to his All-NBA kind off of a severe damage is unrealistic. However he has matured a lot as a participant over time that he’ll nonetheless discover methods to be efficient. With him on the court docket, that opens up the ground for Brown, White, and Pritchard.
As Boston heads into the brand new 12 months, they appear able to take their shot in a wide-open East. Detroit and New York have separated themselves from the pack, however they’re on no account unbeatable. The Celtics have a puncher’s probability and generally, that’s all you want.
