What was supposed to be a reset year in Boston is quickly turning into something far more ambitious. The Celtics, who entered the season with tempered expectations due to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and a summer of cost-conscious roster moves, are suddenly right back in the thick of the title conversation. And it’s not just a feel-good story - it’s a team with real teeth.
Jaylen Brown has stepped up in a major way, playing his way into MVP discussions. The supporting cast, dotted with development success stories, has exceeded expectations.
And Boston’s signature three-point shooting? Still elite.
Now, with reports surfacing that the Celtics are among the teams showing interest in Memphis Grizzlies All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., it’s clear this team isn’t just hoping to stay competitive - they’re looking to make a serious run.
And if they land Jackson? That could swing the entire balance of power in the East.
The Jaren Jackson Jr. Fit
Let’s start with the obvious: Jackson is a game-changer. He’s not just another big man - he’s a 6'11" two-way force who slots in perfectly with what Boston does best.
While some frontcourt additions might clog up the spacing that makes the Celtics so dangerous, Jackson would actually enhance it. Since the start of last season, he’s averaging 1.9 made threes per game on 37.4% shooting - numbers that put him in rare company on this roster.
Only Anfernee Simons and Sam Hauser are hitting threes at that volume and efficiency.
But Jackson’s impact would go far beyond the arc. The Celtics have slipped to 14th in defensive rating - a far cry from their usual perch near the top of the league.
Jackson, a former Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Defensive selection, would be a massive boost on that end. He’s a versatile defender who can protect the rim, switch onto wings, and disrupt passing lanes.
In short, he’s the kind of defensive anchor that championship teams are built around.
A Two-Way Star in His Prime
Offensively, Jackson brings more than just floor spacing. He’s averaging 18.8 points per game this season - and that’s actually a dip compared to his previous two years.
He can score in the post, run the floor, and create mismatches with his mobility. If Boston’s pursuit of a big ends up costing them someone like Simons or Hauser, Jackson’s scoring punch would help offset that loss.
What makes Jackson especially appealing is that he fits both the short- and long-term vision. He’s only 26 years old and under contract through at least the 2028-29 season, with a player option for 2029-30. That’s a multi-year window of contention with a core that could include Tatum, Brown, and Jackson - a trio that matches up with just about anyone in the league.
Title Hopes Get Real
Of course, all of this hinges on Tatum’s return. If he comes back healthy and anywhere near his pre-injury form, pairing him with Brown and Jackson would give the Celtics a legitimate shot at the title - not just this year, but for years to come. It’s the kind of move that doesn’t just improve a team - it redefines its ceiling.
The cost to acquire Jackson would be steep. No surprise there.
But Boston isn’t looking for marginal gains. They’re aiming for banners.
And Jackson could be the piece that ties it all together - a modern big who fits their style, elevates their defense, and adds another layer to an already potent offense.
In a season that was supposed to be about patience and development, the Celtics suddenly find themselves with a chance to go all-in. If they pull the trigger on Jackson, they might not just rejoin the NBA’s elite - they could take control of the whole conversation.