Boston Celtics: 3 players that fit Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown’s timeline
By Mark Nilon
When it comes to the likes of Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, their specific timelines are quite interesting to ponder on, as there are two trains of thought when discussing such a topic.
On the one hand, both players are still rather young and, in theory, not yet in the primes of their careers, as they are just 23 and 24, respectively, and are in the early stages of their first post rookie-scale contracts.
On the other hand, however, despite their youth, both wings have proven that they are eager and ready to contend for championships now, as the Jays have managed to make it to two Eastern Conference Finals trips whilst running alongside one another.
For the front office, what both of these points mean is they must put an emphasis on molding a supporting cast for their two stars that can both compete in the now as well as down the road, and targeting specific players that fit into Tatum and Brown’s timeline should be viewed as one of their top priorities.
Though Brad Stevens and co. may not be flush with cash this coming offseason, there are still several relatively realistic ways in which they can go about bringing on players who meet this aforementioned description.
As for who across the league’s landscape fits Jayson and Jaylen’s specific timeline, we at the Houdini believe there are 3 targets, in specific, that the Boston Celtics should consider pursuing this summer:
Player that fits timeline of Boston Celtics star No. 1) Larry Nance Jr.
Though it may seem as though Larry Nance Jr. is one of the “elder statesmen” of the league, the man is still just 28 years old and is coming off of his sixth season in the NBA.
Having become one of the best 3-and-D fours in the game over the last few years, the Ohio native is coming off of quite a solid 2020-21 campaign despite playing for the abysmal Cleveland Cavaliers.
In 35 outings played, Nance posted 9.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and half a block per game on 47 percent shooting from the floor and 36 percent shooting from deep.
A player we at HH have been rather big on seeing the Cs pursue for quite some time, the concept of Boston trading for the big man isn’t all that hard to get behind, and the method of acquiring him could be even easier as his $10.69 million 2021-22 salary would fit right into what still remains of the Gordon Hayward TPE.
A talent that can play both ends of the ball while knocking down open triples and defend virtually any position on the floor would be invaluable to a team looking to contend, and the Boston Celtics should strongly consider a pursuit of the baller.