Even with Jayson Tatum’s ascension, the Celtics flew somewhat under the radar as one of the NBA’s better teams until the season suspension. Boston had a top-five net rating. And among lineups that have played at least 150 minutes together, the Celts have two of the ten best in terms of net rating. The team is very good, despite an overhaul in the summer and question marks at the center rotation entering the season.
The core of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart will assuredly produce a winner for years to com. The key is how to fit the pieces around them to build a championship contender.