Jayson Tatum’s injury, and the early playoff out, leaves the Boston Celtics in a strange position. They are too good (as currently constructed) to tank, but they’re not impressive enough without their best player to actually contend.
That is, in some ways, a frightening thought.
Boston has been firmly in contender status for quite some time, and with Tatum behind the wheel, they’ve always got a shot. Even with a more aggressive recovery timeline, their franchise player won’t start on-court work until at least the All-Star break. The Celtics aren’t going to rush him back either.