Boston Celtics: C’s need Jayson Tatum for any hope of playoff success

There were tense moments the past few days after members of the 2017 NBA Draft publically questioned whether it would be too risky to take part in the season restart. If the Boston Celtics lost Jayson Tatum because of it, the team’s title hopes would be up in smoke.

You can breathe a sigh of relief Boston Celtics fans. Despite the fact that a small group of 2017 NBA Draft classmates–including one ascending superstar Jayson Tatum–took public their collective worries about playing in the shortened season, the C’s will not be without their top scorer.

The players’ fears were legitimate. After what will be more than four months away from the game speed of professional basketball, these players are diving back in with what will be a sprint of an end of the season and postseason run. Injuries now for the likes of Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Kuzma could be career-changing in regards to their next contracts.

That group is set to cash in on their potential rookie extensions this offseason, or after next season. Given the myriad health risks this return plan proposes just from the standpoint of COVID-19, it was understandable for any of these players to have doubts. Not being able to suit up for a 2020-21 season set to start shortly after this season ends would be financially crippling.

But, Tatum is confirmed to be returning when the season (re?)tips off a month from now. And that is the best kind of news Boston Celtics fans could possibly ask for, considering he holds the key to the team’s potential for a deep playoff run.

Before the season was suspended, the C’s were coming into their own with the leadership of Tatum on full display the final two months of the season. Tatum averaged 30 points per game in February and hung 30 on the Indiana Pacers in the final win of the season in front of fans the day before the league was suspended.

Without him, the team goes from a contender to a middling playoff opponent in the east. Kemba Walker and Gordon Hayward are capable options, but both have failed to engineer any deep runs as the primary option.

Tatum is the key to any success the Boston Celtics can achieve this season and beyond. Thankfully, he will be present in Lake Buena Vista, Florida for the NBA’s return in Walt Disney World.

With big money on the line, perhaps Tatum can secure his extension with a run for the ages. His return increases the likelihood he gets an extension this offseason.