Boston Celtics: 2023 NBA Awards Predictions

When the reigning Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics take the floor, several key players will be competing for individual accolades this season, in addition to the elusive banner 18.

As the C’s continue pushing closer to a championship, let’s take a look at which players could compete for the 2023 NBA Awards.

Boston Celtics PG/SG Malcolm Brogdon: Sixth Man of the Year

As an intelligent veteran leader and dependable two-way playmaker, Malcolm Brogdon was the perfect addition to a Boston Celtics bench unit that ranked 26th in scoring last season.

Brogdon hit the ground running in the preseason, racking up 18 assists in his first two games. He consistently drove the lane and demonstrated tremendous court vision by setting up sharpshooters like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Grant Williams for open looks.

His size, strength, and versatility also make him a strong fit for the Boston Celtics switching defense. Brogdon may not score as many points as other top sixth men like Jordan Poole and Tyler Herro, but his efficiency and effectiveness as a high-impact player for one of the league’s best teams will earn him consideration for Sixth Man of the Year.

Boston Celtics SG Derrick White: Most Improved Player

The acquisition of Derrick White prior to last season’s trade deadline helped the Boston Celtics shift the energy.

As a ferocious perimeter defender and two-way playmaker with explosive quickness, White played a critical role in transforming the C’s into the NBA’s top-ranked defense. White’s tenacity makes life extremely difficult for opposing ballhandlers. But like many lockdown defenders, White struggled shooting from beyond the arc last season (31.2%).

Fortunately, this preseason showed that White might be ready to leave those shooting struggles behind.

After noticeably improving the form on his jumper during the offseason, White knocked down 10-18 threes (55.6%) this preseason. His scoring output increased in each of the four games (7, 10, 18, 23) as he grew more comfortable in the starting lineup.

White will likely continue to start until Rob Williams returns in another 5-8 weeks. But even when Williams does return, his minutes will be carefully managed. Meanwhile, Al Horford will turn 37 next summer and is expected to sit out plenty of games due to load management.

With an increased role, White could easily post career-best scoring numbers. Look for him to flourish in Boston’s high-octane, small-ball lineups that generate a ton of transition scoring opportunities and open threes.

MIP competition will be stiff against budding stars like Tyrese Haliburton and OG Anunoby, but White will have his chance to shine too.

Boston Celtics PG Marcus Smart: Defensive Player of the Year

Marcus Smart is the best defensive guard in the NBA, but it will be extremely difficult for him to retain his DPOY crown.

Last season, Smart became the first guard to win the award since Gary Payton in 1996. He was widely recognized as the best defender on Boston’s top-ranked defense. Unfortunately, outside factors such as injuries, load management, and the team’s lack of size will hurt Smart’s chances this season.

Smart was one of three Boston Celtics to receive DPOY votes last season, along with Williams (7th) and Horford (9th). But with both bigs slated to miss some action, the defense will surrender a lot of second-chance points.

While Smart will continue making a strong impact on the defensive end, his perimeter prowess will likely get overlooked in favor of elite paint protectors like Rudy Gobert and Bam Adebayo.

Boston Celtics SG/SF Jaylen Brown: All-NBA Third Team, All-Star

One of the most egregious All-Star snubs last season was Jaylen Brown. Despite his emergence as one of the league’s top wings, Brown failed to make his second All-Star team.

But after Boston’s appearance on the biggest stage in basketball, all eyes are on Brown and the other rising Celtics stars. If he plays at the same level as last season, Brown will be an All-Star. If he continues improving, he might even elevate to All-NBA Team status.

Brown’s confidence, scoring efficiency, and playmaking ability all seem to improve every season. He has developed into a legitimate matchup nightmare for opposing guards due to his size and strength.

It’s no stretch to say Brown and Tatum are the best duo in the NBA.

For the last couple years, Brown has been one of the league’s most underrated players. But with the Boston Celtics capturing the basketball world’s full attention, he won’t be overlooked again. After shooting the lights out in the preseason (59.3% FG and 51.9% 3PT), Brown appears poised for another career year.

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Boston Celtics SF/PF Jayson Tatum: MVP, All-NBA First Team, All-Star

The sky is the limit for Jayson Tatum.

After finishing sixth in MVP voting last season and leading the league in plus-minus (+667), Tatum enters the new season with a massive championship-sized chip on his shoulder.

Losing in the NBA Finals did not sit well with him. Physically, Tatum is clearly in the best shape of his life. Mentally, he’s saying all the right things. He’s completely focused, dedicated, and possibly even prepared to lead the league in scoring.

Tatum’s elite scoring ability from anywhere on the floor makes him nearly impossible to contain. Furthermore, his handles and court vision have significantly improved every season. Tatum has blossomed into a true two-way superstar.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Tatum is ready to make the MVP leap.

"“Toss out the first two months of last season, when Boston wasn’t battling COVID-related issues or, well, each other, and Tatum played like the MVP. He had the NBA’s best net rating after Jan. 1. He had the league’s best defensive rating after Jan. 1. And even with an uneven November and December, Tatum still led the NBA in plus/minus. This Celtics team, even without Ime Udoka, is built to start fast. Tatum, who spent part of the offseason working with Kevin Durant, could lead the NBA in scoring. And I’m reminded of a conversation Tatum had with Joel Embiid late last season. You better win MVP this year, Tatum told Embiid Because I’m coming for it next year. I think he’s right.”"

With his average points, rebounds, and assists all climbing in each of his five seasons, Tatum will likely put up new career-highs across the board this season. Look for Tatum to post MVP numbers while being named to his fourth All-Star game and third All-NBA Team selection.

And maybe if everything comes together at the right time, we will get to see Tatum hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy and Bill Russell Finals MVP Award next summer too.