The Celtics’ “Gap Year” That Isn’t: Why Boston’s Ahead of Schedule and Still Climbing
Let’s rewind the clock for a second. After last season’s playoff exit-one that ended with Jayson Tatum sidelined and the Celtics bounced by the Knicks-most assumed Boston would hit pause.
The offseason moves only reinforced that idea. Brad Stevens trimmed payroll, moved off big contracts, and let key veterans walk.
With the NBA’s new second apron rules looming, it looked like a calculated reset. A “gap year,” as they say.
But here we are, just past Christmas, and the Celtics are sitting in third place in the East with an 18-11 record. No Tatum.
No Porzingis. No Holiday.
No Al Horford. And yet, this team is very much in the thick of it.
So how did we get here? Let’s break it down.
Jaylen Brown Has Entered the Chat
Jaylen Brown is not just filling in-he’s leading. Without Tatum, Brown has stepped into the spotlight and stayed there, playing the kind of basketball that puts you in MVP conversations.
He’s scoring at all three levels, defending at a high rate, and-maybe most importantly-he’s showing he can be the engine of a contending team. For years, the question was whether Brown could thrive without Tatum.
This season, he’s answering that with authority.
And he’s not doing it alone.
The Supporting Cast Is Stepping Up
Payton Pritchard is playing like he’s back in the Pro-Am circuit-confident, aggressive, and lighting it up from deep. Derrick White continues to be the glue guy every contender needs: smart, steady, and sneakily elite on both ends of the floor. No flash, just winning basketball.
But the real surprise? The youth movement.
Neemias Queta has been a revelation at center. The 7-footer has gone from two-way flier to legitimate rotation piece. He’s anchoring the paint, holding his own defensively, and giving the Celtics a physical presence they sorely needed after losing Horford and Porzingis.
Then there’s the wing trio of Jordan Walsh, Josh Minott, and rookie Hugo Gonzalez. All three are long, active defenders who bring energy and edge.
And here’s the kicker-they’re all shooting over 40% from three. That number probably comes back to Earth, but even if it does, their defensive versatility and willingness to compete are already giving Joe Mazzulla options he didn’t have last year.
Joe Mazzulla Deserves His Flowers
A lot of people wondered what Joe Mazzulla would look like without a stacked roster. Well, here’s your answer.
He’s pushing all the right buttons, getting buy-in from a younger group, and managing to keep the Celtics competitive without their franchise player. His mix of intensity and trust has this team playing hard every night.
If he’s not in the early Coach of the Year conversation, he should be.
Tatum Watch: Closer Than Expected
Now to the big question: When is Jayson Tatum coming back?
The answer, while still vague, is trending in the right direction. After rupturing his Achilles in the playoffs, many feared this would be a lost season for the All-NBA forward.
But thanks to early treatment, a relentless rehab process, and Tatum’s well-documented work ethic, he’s ahead of schedule. He’s been traveling with the team, staying engaged, and by all accounts, progressing well.
There’s no official return date, but the vibe around the team suggests a late February or early March comeback isn’t out of the question. Of course, when he does return, expect some ramp-up time-minutes restrictions, a cautious approach, and a gradual return to full explosiveness. But just having Tatum back in the mix changes the ceiling for this team in a big way.
What Needs Work?
No team is perfect, and the Celtics have their share of issues to iron out.
Anfernee Simons, acquired in the offseason, has been coming off the bench and putting up decent scoring numbers per 36 minutes. But at $27.7 million, he’s a pricey sixth man, and his defense has been as advertised-shaky. That makes his fit a little murky, especially as the Celtics look to tighten their rotation.
Luka Garza has shown flashes, particularly on the boards, but his defensive limitations have kept him in and out of the lineup. Chris Boucher, the other veteran big added this summer, has barely seen the floor-just eight appearances so far.
And then there’s Sam Hauser. Known for his sharpshooting, Hauser’s been cold from deep this year, well below his career averages.
The good news? He’s a proven shooter, and those guys tend to find their rhythm eventually.
A hot streak or two could easily swing his season numbers back toward the mean.
Could a Trade Be Coming?
It’s very possible.
While Queta has been a pleasant surprise, the Celtics are still thin at center. They’ve leaned on small-ball lineups to get through stretches, but that’s not a long-term solution. A trade for a more established big could stabilize the rotation and allow Queta to thrive in a backup role.
There’s also the financial angle. Boston might look to shed some salary to ease their luxury tax burden-or, if the right player becomes available, they could go the other way and take on salary to make a real push. They have room to maneuver under the second apron this season, but any move has to be worth it.
If a major deal does happen, Simons’ contract is the most likely piece to be moved. Brad Stevens has shown time and again that he’s not afraid to get creative. Expect him to explore every option.
So… Are They Contenders?
Why not?
The East is wide open. No one’s running away with it.
The Celtics are right there, playing well, and they’re going to get Tatum back. If they stay healthy, make a smart move at the deadline, and keep up this level of play, there’s no reason to count them out.
This “gap year” narrative? It’s already out the window.
So if you’ve been focused on the NFL playoff race or deep into MLB offseason rumors, now’s a good time to check back in on the Celtics. They’re young, scrappy, and exceeding expectations-without their best player.
And when he returns? Things could get very interesting in Boston.