Celtics\u2019 rebuilding window is wide open as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are not going anywhere<\/p>\n
By bringing in Anfernee Simons and Luka Garza in exchange for Holiday<\/a> and Porzingis, not only did the Celtics shed massive salary, but also confirmed that they are determined to get younger. After Tatum\u2019s injury, the window of winning with last year\u2019s core seemed over because most players were on the older side and putting the franchise way above the second apron.<\/p>\n However, Celtics<\/a>\u2019 front office realized that their window to rebuild and contend for another title in a couple of years is wide open. That\u2019s because their two best players, Tatum and Brown, are only 27 and 28-years-old respectively, and have several years left in their prime. Moreover, both superstars have long-term contracts solidifying their stay in Boston. While Brown\u2019s contract keeps him with the Celtics through 2028-29, JT has the next four years along with a $71.4 million player option for the 2029-30 season.<\/p>\n USA Today via Reuters<\/p>\n Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) celebrates with guard Jaylen Brown (7) after a play against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n Therefore, tanking next year makes sense for the Celtics because it gives them a low-pressure environment to develop their younger talent. With Jayson Tatum rehabbing his Achilles, there\u2019s no better time to hand over more responsibility to the likes of Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and rookie Hugo Gonzalez. Not only does this increase their on-court experience, but it also boosts their trade value \u2014 a win-win situation.<\/p>\n Tanking also improves Boston\u2019s odds in the draft lottery. Even a mid-lottery pick could become a valuable asset \u2014 either as a future contributor or a trade chip once Tatum is back. If Gonzalez or any other young player shows real promise, the Celtics can integrate them into the rotation long-term, strengthening their bench for future title runs.<\/p>\n Most importantly, tanking aligns with their timeline. Brown will still be in his prime. Tatum will return with fresh legs and renewed hunger. And the organization will have both cap flexibility and developmental progress under its belt. While the strategic upside of tanking is clear, the harsh reality is this: without their franchise cornerstone, the Celtics are unlikely to seriously compete anyway. Accepting that now could be the smartest move they make all year.<\/p>\n Tanking makes sense because of Celtics\u2019 uncertain ceiling without Jayson Tatum<\/p>\n Of course, it will not be easy for the Celtics to buy into the idea of tanking. After all, the franchise is synonymous to winning and has the most championship banners than anyone else in the league. Moreover, competing is not just a habit in Boston, it\u2019s a lifestyle. They have not had a losing season since 2013-14, the last time they missed the playoffs.<\/p>\n In the 2024-25 season, Tatum averaged an impressive 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, playing heavy minutes and leading the team in nearly every major statistical category. His shooting efficiency was strong, with 45.2% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc, and 88.9% from the free-throw line.<\/p>\n Notably, his advanced stats reflect his value\u2014he recorded a Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 23.6, a true shooting percentage (TS%) of 61.0, and a box plus-minus (BPM) above +5, placing him in elite MVP-level territory. In the playoffs, his production was even more impactful, averaging 28.1 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.<\/p>\n via Imago<\/p>\n May 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) is helped off the court by after an injury in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tatum would leave the game with an injury after this play. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Beyond the raw stats, Tatum\u2019s on-court impact was vital. The Celtics\u2019 net rating with him on the floor was a positive +10.3, showing how much better the team performed when he was playing. His usage rate of nearly 30% demonstrated that the offense ran through him for a sizeable portion of their plays.<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Defensively, Tatum was one of the league\u2019s top forwards in defensive win shares, regularly tasked with guarding the opponent\u2019s best wing players. His defensive versatility and ability to switch across positions 2 to 4 were crucial for Boston\u2019s schemes, a vital reason for their dominant postseason run in the 2023-24 season.<\/p>\n The loss of Tatum creates a gap that is essentially unfillable for the 2025-26 season. His combination of scoring volume and efficiency is unmatched on the team. Additionally, his unique playmaking ability\u2014averaging 6 assists per game\u2014served as a secondary point guard, initiating key offensive sets. His rebounding on both ends also helped the Celtics secure critical possessions, while his leadership and clutch postseason performances made him indispensable. No other current player on the roster can replicate that breadth of production or intangibles.<\/p>\n![\"article-image\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Boston-Celtics-3.jpg\")
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