NBA Analyst Questions Whether Jayson Tatum Can Lead Celtics to Success This Season image
NBA Analyst Questions Whether Jayson Tatum Can Lead Celtics to Success This Season image
The Celtics had a strong core, built on the dynamic combination of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Both led the team to an NBA Championship. They were a two-headed monster. Now, Tatum is the last man standing after Brown was traded to the 76ers.
It’s officially Tatum’s team. With changes to the Celtics and high expectations, can Tatum, riding solo, carry the team to glory?
Sports Illustrated's Liam McKeone asked that and more in his latest column for Sports Illustrated. Tatum’s return to form is one of the many storylines McKeone believes will be written about this season. He also wonders if Tatum can rise to the occasion.
This time last year, Tatum was recovering from an Achilles injury suffered during the 2024-25 playoffs. It was expected it would sideline him for all of last season. Instead, he returned in March and played in 16 games, averaging 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Tatum helped the team make the playoffs. Unfortunately, he didn’t play against the 76ers in Game 7 of the first-round series because of left knee stiffness.
While he was out, Brown put the team on his back. He led Boston in points (28.7) and minutes played. The team exceeded expectations, and Tatum’s return boosted morale. It was Brown’s team that year. Now, there is no doubt Tatum leads it. But will that mean positive results, another early exit for the Celtics, or a season without a playoff run?
McKeone later stated, "First impressions are everything." In the next chapter of his career, with his back against the wall every night and questions about his health, will Tatum "sink or swim?"
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