Will the Celtics Ever Win a NBA Championship With Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown?
The Boston Celtics have a storied past. They are the most successful franchise in the history of the NBA, having won 17 titles, joint most with the Lakers. NBA icons such as Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Bob Cousy and John Havlicek have donned the famous green jersey. The Celtics have become synonymous with success and winning culture. However, in recent seasons, the Celtics have failed to achieve the kind of success their fans expected in the 80s. Their last NBA title came 15 years ago, when the trio of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen led the Celtics to a championship in 2008.
Since then, the Celtics have become perennial title contenders, but an NBA title has always deserted them. In the last 15 years, the Celtics have always underperformed or disappointed their fans due to constant failure to win the elusive Larry O’Brien trophy. In 2022, they made their first finals appearance since 2008. However, Stephen Curry guided the Warriors to a six-game victory over the Celtics. Once again this season, the Celtics are seen as prime contenders for the championship, boasting one of the league’s most formidable duos in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Although their exceptional talents are undeniable, the duo has consistently fallen short of winning the championship. What’s to say that this season is any different?
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been the standout players for Boston for the last couple of seasons. Both are All-NBA caliber players and both possess extensive experience of playing in the playoffs. The Boston Celtics are always near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, however, they fail to translate their brilliant regular season form into postseason success.
Both Tatum and Brown have blossomed into legitimate superstars in the NBA. They have become two of the best players in the league. Any team in the league would trade for either one of them in a heartbeat. But, despite having two All-NBA caliber players, the Celtics have failed to win a title. This raises the question: will Tatum and Brown ever win a title together?
Yes, Tatum and Brown have the potential to secure an NBA title together. However, their success will invariably hinge on the strength of their supporting cast. While it’s reasonable to attribute part of the responsibility to Tatum and Brown for not maximizing their championship opportunity, the Celtics’ front office must also shoulder a significant portion of the blame. Their inability to surround Tatum and Brown with compatible role players has significantly contributed to Boston’s failure to win a title. Last season perfectly encapsulated this problem. Last season, Brown averaged 26.6 points and Tatum averaged 30.1 points per game. Despite two players averaging above 25 ppg, the Celtics managed to lose to the Miami Heat in the Conference finals. However, the 2023-24 season could be very different.
Can the Celtics finally break their duck in 2024?
The Celtics have set the tone with their consistency this season. If early-season form is anything to go by, then the Celtics are on a collision course with the Denver Nuggets in June. However, games aren’t won in just 20 games. The Celtics would have to keep up their remarkable early-season form, which I am sure they will. However, they have faced difficulties in the past in translating their regular season form into playoff success. So, what makes this season different from previous seasons?
A very wise man once said, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Boston’s past failures. However, after enduring the same results over and over again, the Celtics hierarchy finally decided to shuffle their roster.
The Celtics decided to trade away Marcus Smart to the Grizzlies and acquired Latvian big-man Kristaps Porzingis in the trade. Porzingis adds much needed rim-protection and provides valuable spacing due to his impressive shooting abilities. The Celtics also acquired Jrue Holiday, who is probably a better defender and a better fit than Smart. With this new look roster, the Celtics have emerged as early-season title favorites. But can they maintain this form?
Numbers don’t lie
The Celtics have started the season in remarkable fashion. They currently are perched at the top of Eastern Conference standings, with 15 wins and 5 losses. Nevertheless, sometimes certain teams overachieve in the initial stages of the season. However, that isn’t the case with Boston. The Celtics underlying stats suggest that they are the best team in the NBA right now.
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This season, the Celtics have recorded an offensive rating of 117.5, ninth best in the league. Whereas, they stand as the second best defensive team in the NBA, having recorded a defensive rating of 109. In fact, the Celtics have recorded a net rating of 8.5, which is the highest in the league. The stats suggest that Boston is the best team in the league. However, in order to end their 15 year title drought, the players must demonstrate resilience and avoid succumbing to pressure, a pattern that has plagued them in previous years.
