Jayson Tatum’s playoffs and role in the Celtics potentially winning a title have been well discussed. He hasn’t consistently played at an elite level in eight games this playoffs so far. The Celtics are ultra-talented and one of the most dominant teams in recent memory highlighted by them having fourth-best net rating in NBA history. This begs the question: do the Celtics need Tatum to play at a superstar level?
Do the Celtics Need Superstar Tatum?
Tatum’s Playoffs so Far
By no means is Tatum having a bad playoffs. He is making a well-rounded impact averaging 23.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. However, his shooting efficiency has been extremely poor, shooting just 41% from the field and 26% from three. Furthermore, he has yet to have a signature Tatum game in the playoffs.
Notably, two of Tatum’s best games this playoffs were recently. In Game 3 Tatum put up 33 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists en route to a 13-point win. While the Celtics lost in Game 2 Tatum had a 25-point, seven-rebound, five-assist stat line. However, even in these performances, Tatum wasn’t playing at a totally elite level. In Game 3 against the Cavs, he had five turnovers and made just two of eight three-point attempts. Game 2 saw the Celtics’ supporting cast surprisingly struggle and Tatum was never fully able to take over. The only other notable Tatum game in the playoffs so far has been Game 1 against the Heat where he posted a 23-point triple-double.
Despite his efficiency struggles in the playoffs Tatum has attacked the rim and gotten to the line well notably taking 2.1 fewer threes per game. Overall in the playoffs, Tatum has made an all-around impact but is not playing at the superstar level we expect of him. Furthermore, the Celtics’ talent and surrounding options have made these struggles less noticeable. However, these shooting struggles are concerning considering Tatum has yet to face an elite wing defender. It’s fair to question what will happen when Tatum inevitably faces an elite wing defender later in the playoffs.
The Emergence of Jaylen Brown
While Tatum has struggled somewhat in the playoffs Jaylen Brown has stepped up massively. Brown’s emergence is especially crucial not just because of Tatum’s shooting struggles but also Kristaps Porzingis’ injury. Brown leads the team in playoff scoring averaging 24.1 while shooting 55.6% from the field and 34% from three. He is also shooting an absurd 67.9% at the rim. So far in the playoffs Brown has been the Celtics’ best player and provided them with elite production.
Brown also had a great end to the regular season. He averaged 25.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists. In the regular season, Brown was notably more efficient in clutch time play than Tatum despite having far lower usage. If Brown’s incredible play and Tatum’s struggles continue it will be interesting to see who the Celtics turn to in inevitable close games later in the playoffs. Brown’s play might be a sign he is closing the gap between him and Tatum. Alternatively, Tatum could just be going through a cold stretch and will eventually dominate, separating himself from Brown.
Brown’s Leadership
Another area Brown and Tatum also differ in is leadership style. Part of the Marcus Smart-Porzingis trade helped open a more vocal leadership role for the Js. In my eyes, Brown has filled the role more than Tatum this season. Brown seems to hold his teammates accountable more and there have been reports he is the true team leader. In many ways, the team runs through Brown’s energy. That’s not a shot at Tatum; he is ultimately the more talented player. However, he has a more laid-back lead-by-example style. The two players’ post-game press conference after Thursday’s Game 2 loss highlights this.
Jaylen Brown: “Defensively, it was an unacceptable performance.” pic.twitter.com/zmm9oYFEdI
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) May 10, 2024
Jayson Tatum noted that people say the Celtics have a super team, but that they didn’t get awarded like winning COTY, MVP or having three All Stars:
“We don’t pay attention to those things. We just go out there and control what we can control.” pic.twitter.com/8Nml4KoVFR
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) May 10, 2024
Brown’s response held his teammates accountable and kept it basketball-related. Tatum’s comments, while somewhat valid, were not appropriate given the circumstances. All of this is not to say Tatum is an awful leader, simply that Brown has shown more in this department especially recently. Furthermore, Tatum had other quotes that were more appropriate after a loss however, Brown’s composure and leadership stand out.
Championship Goals
The goal of this season has always been to win a championship. Ultimately the Celtics can still win a championship even if Tatum isn’t playing at a superstar level. The team is simply more talented and well-rounded than any other in the league. The Celtics’ plethora of offense options even outside of Tatum and Brown are unmatched including Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Porzingis when healthy. A healthy Porzingis will be one of the most important factors in the Celtics achieving championship success regardless of how Tatum plays. Furthermore, they have an elite-level defense.
However, in the playoffs especially the later rounds you need a player to be the best player in that series. In a potential finals matchup with one of Nikola Jokic, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Luka Doncic either Tatum or Brown will have to match that elite production. While Brown has been great his ball handling is still a question, especially against elite wing defense. Even in the playoffs, Brown is averaging more turnovers than assists. This along with Tatum’s struggles is somewhat concerning.
However, let’s not forget Brown was brilliant in the 2022 finals notably leading the team in scoring. Additionally, Tatum is still one of the most skilled players in the league and an elite three-level scorer. One of these two will likely step up to the occasion and match the elite production of whoever they play. Nevertheless, it’s fair to question if this is truly realistic, especially in a potential final against the West’s best.
