The Boston Celtics are entering a new era after being forced to part ways with Jaylen Brown, leaving Jayson Tatum as their true lone star.
There is a lot to prove for the Celtics and Tatum this season. They were the No. 2 seed last season without him, and parting ways with Brown was not a popular decision, especially after he had the best season of his career.
Tatum missed most of the season after suffering an ACL injury during the 2025 playoffs. He returned in March but was injured again in the playoffs, forcing him to miss Game 7 of the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers and ultimately contributing to his team’s elimination.
Then came the shocking decision to move on from Brown and trade him to the team that beat them. They got Paul George and several future draft picks in return.
Several members of the organization have tried to make sense of why the Celtics decided to part ways with their star wing.
Team owner Bill Chisholm said the move was made with the future in mind. Although he admitted that he was hurt by the development, he said he still trusts team president Brad Stevens and is at peace with the decision.
Apr 29, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) warm up before game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images“I step back and realize you have a responsibility to protect and advance the legacy of the Celtics,” he said.
“We’ve got the best brains in basketball, and this is something that they had conviction around. I needed to be convinced, and that’s my job, but they did convince me.”
Jayson Tatum’s dad not convinced about son’s teamThere is now added pressure on Tatum to deliver as he takes another step forward as the Celtics’ franchise player. However, he may be able to ease some of that pressure for now, as expectations surrounding the team are not particularly high.
Even his own father, Justin Tatum, does not believe the Celtics will accomplish much this year. The elder Tatum gave a harsh assessment of his son’s team and picked another squad to win the championship.
He believes the New York Knicks will repeat as champions.
“Realistically, I might say New York might run it back,” the father said during a guesting on the Ultimate Dads Unplugged by NBA fathers LaVar Ball, Dwyane Wade Sr., and JB’s Quenton Brown Sr.
Apr 9, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) defends Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-Imagn ImagesThe hosts pressed him further why he did not choose Boston he kept it brutal and real.
“Right now, the Celtics roster is [expletive.”
Tatum’s dad is not optimistic but recent NBA championship odds are generous to the Celtics. They are viewed by Draft Kings as the third best team in the Eastern Conference behind the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks.
The New York Times has the same view, ranking them seventh overall in their Power Rankings for the next season.
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