The Boston Celtics have emerged as one of the standout teams in the NBA this season, currently sitting third in the Eastern Conference standings, despite missing star player Jayson Tatum for the entire season thus far. Jaylen Brown has stepped up impressively, establishing himself as a true number-one option, while Payton Pritchard has risen to the challenge, transforming into a dependable starting point guard. Many players have exceeded expectations, and the return of Tatum later in the season is anticipated to provide an additional boost.
An offseason addition, Anfernee Simons, acquired through a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, is also making an impact. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has emphasized the need for Simons to enhance his focus and physicality on the court. After a recent win over the Jazz, Mazzulla praised Simons for his contributions, highlighting both his scoring ability and defensive intensity. He noted that when Simons plays with greater attention to detail, it significantly elevates the team’s performance.
Historically, defense has been a challenge for Simons due to his smaller stature; however, this season, he has recorded the best advanced stats of his career, showcasing a remarkable offensive rating and a solid defensive rating. As his contract nears expiration, Simons is motivated to demonstrate his skills, aiming to secure a lucrative deal as a player with formidable three-point shooting capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are not expected to pursue trades at the upcoming deadline. With Tatum’s return poised to serve as their significant midseason boost, the team has little incentive to disrupt their current roster. Tatum’s full recovery would bolster both their offensive and defensive capabilities, adding depth to a squad that has already achieved the fourth-best offensive ranking in the league without him. Rather than making trades that could potentially lead them into luxury tax territory, Boston is likely to maintain stability and focus on maximizing the talent they already have, particularly with an eye on their postseason aspirations.