Rich Paul is realizing what Celtics always knew about Jayson Tatum's return

Don't believe the narrative that Jayson Tatum returning this season would actually hurt the Celtics.

Boston Celtics v New York Knicks | Nathaniel S. Butler/GettyImagesThe Boston Celtics have already solidified themselves as a legitimate contender in the wide-open Eastern Conference. They are third in the standings, just a half-game behind the second-seeded New York Knicks. Even after Wednesday's 114-110 loss to the Denver Nuggets, they're generating the second-most points per 100 possessions, yielding the second-fewest points per contest, and have the third-highest net rating in the NBA.

Not only is Jaylen Brown playing MVP-caliber basketball, but his runningmate might return this season. As…