By Joe Symes.
Jayson Tatum is nearing a return, a date unknown, but are the Celtics missing their most influential figure this season?
It’s clear the roster at the Boston Celtics is weaker when Tatum isn’t available, with Jaylen Brown leading the Celtics well so far in his absence, and expectations have been far exceeded thus far, sitting second and possessing the best attacking stats in the NBA; even without All-Star Tatum, their play-off chances look substantial.
After a nine-month absence from his critical Achilles injury sustained in the 2025 Eastern Conference play-off semi-final against the New York Knicks, but reports are he’s back on 5-on-5 scrimmages with his teammates, with his decision about whether he will feature again his season a decision of his own.
The standings reveal a different story, as Celtics’ in-game approach and converted identity still mirrors an extremely competitive side, but on the other hand mirrors how he glued everything together.
Offensively
Tatum is the Celtics’ primary shooter, offensive engine and overall talisman, and despite being the best attacking in the entire NBA, there is signs that his presence is missed.
There is a sheer lack of three-level shooters in their ranks who can chalk up clutch moments when needed to break down quality defences. There is a stall in late-game possession, showing a missing playmaker role and Jaylen Brown put into tighter roles that are still unfamiliar to him to fill the void.
Tatum’s size, speed, and endurance bends defences across the NBA and without the pull of the Celtics’ figurehead
Defensively
Standing at 6’8 tall, Tatum’s presence allows Boston to be fast in regains and attacking, without him, their switch-heavy defensive play has been less used and opposing sides have been found to target favourable matchups.
His defensive work is often under appreciated because of how concise he is attacking, but his switch across the court is an attribute he thrives in.
Leadership
The Celtics have looked volatile in closing stages of matches, capable of brilliant stretches but prone to sudden collapses and in environments where a calm figure is needed, Tatum has stepped up, showing signs of a team missing its central figure.
There is no disputing that Boston Celtics are succeeding and massively over performing, being still a well drilled, strong defensive and highly competitive side, but vulnerabilities are still there.
