The Boston Celtics are right back in the thick of the Eastern Conference race - and they’ve done it without their biggest star.
Coming into the season, expectations were understandably tempered. After Jayson Tatum went down with a torn Achilles during last year’s playoff series against the Knicks, it looked like Boston would be without its franchise cornerstone for most - if not all - of the season.
But now, there’s a glimmer of hope. Tatum could return as soon as February or March, and if that happens, the Celtics could go from overachievers to outright contenders overnight.
Even without Tatum, Boston’s been holding its own - and then some. At 24-15, they’ve got the third-best record in the East, trailing only the red-hot Detroit Pistons (28-10) and the surging New York Knicks (25-15). That’s not just surviving - that’s thriving.
A big part of that success has come from the supporting cast stepping up in a major way. Jaylen Brown has continued to be a steady force, Derrick White has been a two-way spark plug, and Payton Pritchard has delivered valuable minutes. But one of the more intriguing developments has been the emergence of Anfernee Simons.
Now in his seventh NBA season, the 26-year-old Simons looks like he’s coming into his own. He’s averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game, and more importantly, he’s playing with a level of poise and maturity that’s earned the trust of head coach Joe Mazzulla. Simons isn’t just filling a role - he’s helping drive this team forward.
That’s why any talk of trading him is far from a foregone conclusion. The Celtics aren’t just going to move a player like Simons unless the return makes them meaningfully better, especially with Tatum’s return on the horizon. But if the right frontcourt piece becomes available, Boston may be willing to pick up the phone.
According to league sources, names like Daniel Gafford and Ivica Zubac are on the Celtics’ radar. Gafford, currently with the Mavericks, is averaging 7.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He’s a physical presence who could give Boston some much-needed depth in the paint - especially come playoff time, when size and rim protection become even more valuable.
Zubac, meanwhile, has seen his stock rise lately with a string of strong performances for the Clippers. Earlier in the season, he may have been more attainable, but his recent play may have shifted the equation. Still, if the Celtics believe he’s the missing piece to solidify their front line, it’s a conversation worth having.
For now, Boston has the luxury of patience. They’re winning games, holding strong in the standings, and waiting on the return of one of the league’s premier talents. But with the trade deadline approaching and the East as competitive as ever, don’t be surprised if the Celtics make a calculated move to bolster their roster.
Because if Tatum comes back healthy - and the Celtics add the right piece in the frontcourt - this team won’t just be a feel-good story. They’ll be a real threat to make a deep run this spring.