When Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles last spring against the Knicks, it felt like a gut punch to the Boston Celtics’ title hopes. A season that was supposed to be about defending a championship quickly shifted into survival mode.
With Tatum sidelined and key contributors like Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet no longer in the picture, expectations around Boston dipped. Many figured this would be a transitional year - a reset, not a run.
But 29 games in, the Celtics aren’t just surviving - they’re thriving.
Boston’s New Core Has Stepped Up in a Big Way
Despite the roster shakeup and Tatum’s absence, Boston has carved out a strong identity behind a retooled core of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard. And they’ve done more than just keep things afloat - they’ve turned heads across the league.
With an 18-11 record, the Celtics currently sit third in the Eastern Conference, and they’ve been one of the hottest teams in the NBA this December. Their offensive rating this month?
A league-best 124.5. Their net rating?
+12.0, trailing only the red-hot Thunder. That’s not just solid - that’s elite.
Jaylen Brown has looked every bit the All-NBA player he’s been building toward. He’s taken on the scoring load with confidence and consistency, but more importantly, he’s embraced the leadership role that comes with being the face of the franchise - at least until Tatum returns.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard have also stepped into the spotlight. White continues to be one of the most underrated two-way guards in the league, and Pritchard’s growth as a ball-handler and floor general has been a revelation. He’s playing with poise and purpose, showing he’s more than just a spark plug off the bench.
And then there’s the youth movement. Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and Hugo Gonzalez have injected energy, hustle, and defensive grit into the lineup.
They’re not just filling minutes - they’re making plays that shift momentum. It’s the kind of effort that doesn’t always show up in the box score but makes a real difference over the course of a season.
Joe Mazzulla Is Coaching His Tail Off
Credit where it’s due - head coach Joe Mazzulla has done a masterful job keeping this team focused and competitive. With so many new faces and a major star missing, it would’ve been easy for Boston to stumble out of the gate.
Instead, Mazzulla has this group playing connected basketball on both ends of the floor. The ball is moving, the defense is locked in, and the team looks like it believes in itself - and in each other.
Tatum’s Return Could Be the X-Factor in the East
The biggest news for Celtics fans? Jayson Tatum is coming back.
Tatum recently confirmed he’ll return this season, though he hasn’t put a date on it yet. All signs point to a 2026 return - and when that happens, Boston’s ceiling changes in a hurry.
We know what Tatum brings when he’s healthy: elite scoring, versatile defense, and the ability to make everyone around him better. He was the driving force behind Boston’s 2024 title run, a four-time All-NBA First Teamer, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. He’s not just a star - he’s the kind of player who shifts the balance of power in a playoff series.
Now, it’s fair to temper expectations. Coming off a torn Achilles is no small thing, and assuming he’ll immediately return to MVP form would be unrealistic.
But Tatum’s game has matured over the years. He’s not just a scorer anymore - he’s a connector, a playmaker, and a leader.
Even if he’s not at full strength right away, his presence alone will open up the floor for Brown, White, and Pritchard.
Boston Is Back in the Mix - and the East Is Wide Open
With the new year around the corner, the Celtics are positioned to make noise in a conference that’s still sorting itself out. Detroit and New York have looked strong, but they’re not invincible. No team has run away with the East, and that leaves the door open for a team like Boston - one with grit, depth, and a potential superstar return on the horizon.
The Celtics may not have started this season as favorites. But they’ve got something every contender needs: belief, balance, and a shot. And in this league, sometimes that’s all it takes.