The Boston Celtics have two of the league’s premier superstars in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. When you walk outside your front door tomorrow, the sky will be blue.
These statements are givens, but it’s always nice to hear rival fanbases and beat writers say that as an absolute fact.
All U Can Heat’s (and Hardwood Houdini’s) Jack Simone listed his top 50 players in the NBA, and the Jays were present in the Top 30.
Jaylen Brown came in at #28, and Jayson Tatum made the Top 15:
"28. Jaylen Brown – Boston CelticsJaylen Brown’s phenomenal season was somewhat overshadowed by Jayson Tatum and an unfortunate injury to end the year. He’ll have a chance to bounce back this year and prove he deserves a higher spot on this list.15. Jayson Tatum – Boston CelticsJayson Tatum went from an All-Star caliber player to a superstar last season. He had multiple 50-point playoff games and even tied Larry Bird’s franchise record with 60 points in a regular-season game.The Celtics dealt with a ton of injuries in the playoffs, and he still managed to take a game off the Nets. Tatum could be a top 10 player by the end of this year."
As Simone notes, Tatum may not be done climbing the rankings. Even in a down year where the Cs fell to the #7 seed and defenses were lasored in on him due to the repeated absenses of Kemba Walker and Brown, Tatum took a notable step forward.
Brown was having a career-year himself before he went down with an injury in the final month of the 2020-21 regular season. With an improved roster around him, he may find easier looks out of offensive sets playing alongside guys like Dennis Schroder and Al Horford, plus a healthy Marcus Smart.
For Brown, being considered a Top 25 player is an attainable 2021-22 goal, while Tatum should have his eyes set on Damian Lillard’s #10 spot after leading his team to more success this upcoming year.