The Celtics Are Surprisingly Good: Does Tatum Change Everything?
- Joel Piton
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
The Boston Celtics weren’t supposed to be here. Ranked third, written off as a temporary placeholder in the East, and forced to navigate a long stretch without their franchise player: Boston has quietly flipped the script. At 23–12, the Celtics have done more than survive—they’ve competed at the toughest level, defended their identity, and won, leaning heavily into the best version of Jaylen Brown we’ve ever seen. On paper, this doesn’t look like an elite team. No overwhelming star power. No perfect roster balance. And yet, night after night, they’ve played like a group that knows exactly who it is. The question now isn’t whether the Celtics can on to this berth—it’s what happens when Jayson Tatum returns and raises the ceiling. So, what’s been the secret behind Boston’s resilience? Let's break it down.
It all starts with Jaylen Brown, who's been on an absolute tear in NBA play. Following a 50-point eruption against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, Brown has been eclipsing 30 points per game while shooting north of 50 percent from the field—it's a blend of volume and efficiency and no wing in the league can match it. But it hasn’t just been about scoring. His playmaking took a noticeable leap last month, and by keeping the ball moving and making the right reads, Brown has unlocked comfort and confidence across the rest of the lineup.
In the absence of Jayson Tatum, Brown has delivered time and time again, becoming exactly what the Boston Celtics needed—and then some. When he gets downhill, there’s simply no stopping him. Brown currently leads all small forwards in points per game at 30, ranks fourth in scoring league-wide, and sits third in field-goal percentage among the top 20 scoring leaders this season. He’s not just getting buckets—he’s doing it efficiently, decisively, and against every defensive look thrown his way.
And it hasn’t just been a one-man show. The rest of the roster has risen to the occasion as well. Neemias Queta has emerged as one of the season’s most pleasant surprises, climbing into the top 10 of Most Improved Player voting while averaging 10 points per game on an elite 66 percent shooting as a full-time starter after barely seeing the floor over his first four seasons. Derrick White, despite uneven shooting nights, has been a defensive anchor—hounding opposing backcourts, setting the tone with ball pressure, and consistently taking on the toughest perimeter assignments. Even with subpar efficiency, White has pushed the pace offensively and chipped in roughly 19 points per night, keeping defenses honest. Off the bench, role players Luka Garza and Josh Minott have maximized their opportunities after limited run in Minnesota Timberwolves uniforms, proving they belong at this level.
While Payton Pritchard’s three-point shooting has been a disappointment, he’s embraced the grind of a full-time role—wear and tear visible on his jumper, but his intent to score unchanged. With he and Anfernee Simons sliding into smaller offensive roles (Simons was previously a 22 point per game scorer), it hasn't necessarily been a negative. Simons’ shooting gravity still stretches defenses off the bench and creates breathing room for players like Garza and Jordan Walsh. While familiar sharpshooters like Sam Hauser and Pritchard haven’t fully rediscovered their rhythm, others have stepped into the void. Everyone understands their role, accepts it, and executes—and that collective buy-in has quietly translated into winning basketball.
Achilles tendon injuries are among the most feared setbacks in basketball—not because recovery is impossible, but because patience is non-negotiable. The tendon itself connects the calf muscles to the heel and absorbs massive force during sprinting, jumping, and sudden changes of direction. Historically, return timelines hover between 9–12 months, with teams often leaning toward the longer end to reduce re-injury risk. In recent years, however, modern rehab has changed the narrative. Stars like Kevin Durant have returned from Achilles ruptures with little to no drop-off, proving that elite players can come back the same. However, Boston’s medical staff has no incentive to rush things, especially with the team holding its own in the standings. A cautious timeline likely points toward April for Tatum, allowing a full recovery than an abrupt return. But when Tatum does return, what does it change? In a word—everything.
With Tatum back in the fold, Jaylen Brown no longer has to shoulder the full offensive burden, though he’s more than proven he can when needed. Boston won’t rush Tatum into 40-minute nights out of the gate, but the ball has always been in his hands. The Celtics don’t have an abundance of natural shot-creators, and Tatum remains the ultimate release valve. An Achilles tendon rupture is no small hurdle, especially for a physical scorer who thrives through contact rather than simply spacing the floor, but Tatum has shown he can hurt defenses in multiple ways.
The roster around him is also far different from 2024, with Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis no longer in the picture, meaning chemistry and rhythm will take time. Still, at 23–12, the Boston Celtics have already proven they can win without him. Add an elite scorer who creates easy points—and suddenly this team looks far more dangerous. If Tatum returns sometime in the spring, the Eastern Conference—and maybe the entire league—could be in for a rude awakening. The Celtics aren’t just holding it down, they mean business.
Last spring’s playoff collapse against New York hurts for every Boston Celtics fan—something no one is eager to relive. But this season has carried a different tone. Against expectations, Boston has pushed back, proving doubters wrong and building real belief along the way. Of course, nothing comes without risk. Our depth will be tested, injuries can derail momentum, and in the NBA, health is everything. Still, if the Celtics can stay afloat, secure a top-five seed, and continue to lean on Jaylen Brown while protecting the fort, the return of Jayson Tatum could quietly flip the postseason landscape. A deep playoff run may not be expected—but it’s suddenly within reach. Will Tatum return in time? Will Boston shock the league? Only time will tell.
Celtics fans rejoice! Boston is making a legitimate title push 🍀 Can't keep up with the games? Stay tuned to Sportz Nation so you don't miss a second of the action.
Thanks for reading!
-Joel Piton
(@jpiton7)