The luck of the Irish was not on the Boston Celtics’ side during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, when All-Star forward Jayson Tatum tore his right Achilles as he tried to regain possession of a loose ball. The injury broke the hearts of Celtics fans as they watched their championship hopes slip away.
The recovery from such an injury is typically 9-12 months, so many fans and experts had low expectations for the Celtics this season. To add fuel to the “tank,” people appeared to either lose faith in the Celtics’ other All-Star, Jaylen Brown, or forgot about him altogether.
Offseason…
As is the norm for an off-season retooling, Boston made some painful but necessary moves. The first domino to fall was the trade of popular veteran point guard Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for scoring machine Anfernee Simons.
The Celtics‘ oft-injured big man, Kristaps Porzingis, was shipped to Atlanta in exchange for a package including Georges Niang, who was later traded to Utah. Next, the Celt’s top reserve center, Luke Kornet, left for San Antonio, and longtime locker room leader, Al Horford, would also move west to the Golden State Warriors.
With tough losses to its championship team, Boston had some holes to fill on its roster. Fans questioned the addition of Luka (No, not that Luka) Garza, who turned out to be great at setting screens, opening up lanes for shooters, and as a points producer. Free Agent forward Chris Boucher is long, and in addition to scoring, he provides solid defense and rebounding, which was much needed following Kornet’s departure.
The M.V. Jay…
After signing a five-year, $285.39 million Supermax contract extension in July 2023, critics questioned whether Jaylen Brown could lead this team. There was never a doubt about his ability, only about his leadership and consistency. He was often criticized for his ball-handling, particularly with his left hand, which has led him to turn the ball over in the past. He has proven these naysayers wrong, as he has put up MVP-like numbers this season without the other half of “The Jays.”
In Tatum’s absence, Brown is averaging nearly 30 points, 6.4 boards, and five assists per game. His combination of size, strength, and speed, mixed with his ability to guard multiple positions, makes him one of the best two-way players in the league. As he leads the Celtics into the All-Star break, he continues to plead his case as a top candidate for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award.
Stepping Up…
The Celtics entered the season with unfavorable expectations, with some people calling for a rebuild, but Coach Joe Mazzulla’s team had other plans. The trio of Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Derrick White has carried the team’s weight on their shoulders. Backup combo guard Simons averages 13.5 points per game, adding a spark to the team’s second unit.
Role players like Garza and Sam Hauser have provided high-IQ scoring and dependability off the bench. Neemias Queta has stepped up and filled the void left by Porzingis and Kornet’s departures. His rebounding and interior defense have been key to the C’s success. Forward Jordan Walsh has stepped up as the top reserve defender and has grown offensively in his third season.
Boston has a promising future ahead. Rookie seven-footer, Amari Williams, is a strong rim-protector and rebounder off the bench. 19-year-old Spanish swingman, Hugo Gonzalez, is a diamond in the rough, earning the adoration of Celtics Nation with his hard play and athleticism.
Tatum’s Return…
Jayson Tatum is rehabbing ahead of schedule, and Boston is in a great place without him. Currently, they sit in third place in the Eastern Conference, so there is no need to rush his return. He is expected back in late March or early April. The team should ease him back into the lineup just in time for the playoffs, putting the Celtics in a prime position to compete for their second Larry O’Brien trophy in three seasons.
Outlook…
Whether Tatum returns this season or not, Boston is a contender… as long as the other cogs in the Celtics’ machine stay healthy. They are a well-coached team that cannot be counted out or underestimated. Their defense and depth will keep them in games against the toughest of opponents. While Tatum’s unlucky Achilles injury crippled Boston’s championship hopes last season, Brown is the lucky rabbit’s foot looking to bring luck and a championship back to Beantown.
