Coaches, executives, and scouts had harsh criticism for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the Boston Celtics. Though a successful organization, the Celtics have failed in recent years to make a big push for a championship albeit the numerous All-Stars they have had on their roster. Former stars include Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Kemba Walker, with trade assets or heavy monetary compensation being utilized to garner these players. Yet because none of the scenarios panned out, the Celtics don't have as much, in terms of draft capital, to their name.
The Celtics have seemed to be in a perpetual state of successful mediocrity. A league executive had a remark on the situation of the team, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN:
“I can't believe this whole era for them hasn't really worked. They're stuck in neutral — and maybe going backwards.”
Additionally, there was backlash on the team's current stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Those around the league believed that the two could not accept each other's success, and that individual achievements were more important to them. An assistant coach in the Eastern Conference stated:
“Jayson Tatum is about Jayson Tatum. I don't think he cares about winning now, and if he does, it is on his terms. He doesn't want to score 15 and win. He wants to score 39 and win.”
Though the team has struggled with their developing stars to formulate successful team chemistry, the Celtics recently had a player-only meeting that led to eight wins in their past eleven games. Boston is currently 10-8, sitting just three games behind the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Boston Celtics could make a serious run in the playoffs, but this would heavily factor Tatum and Brown's ability to play together with their teammates. Defeating top teams in the East like the Nets, Heat, and Bucks will only be possible for this squad if they are able to garner a high level of team chemistry. The Celtics currently have the star power, depth, and veteran leadership necessary to be more successful than they have been in the past, but everything will need to come together for this to happen.
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