Coming into the 2021-22 NBA season, there was a lot of hype surrounding the Boston Celtics and its dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Unfortunately, they have not lived up to the billing and are struggling in the Eastern Conference.
The loss against the Philadelphia 76ers means they have dropped to under .500 with a 15-16 record, and are currently ranked 9th in the East. A play-in spot at this stage of the season is not what was expected of this Celtics team and the fans are starting to grow frustrated.
According to Brian Robb of Masslive.com, Brown recognizes their early struggles but is confident they can turn things around. When asked if he believed this group could effect some changes and change their fortune, he said:
“No question. I think it’s an obvious answer for me. I know people are probably tired of hearing it, people have lost belief and faith, but mine is unwavering. I think we still can be a good team. I think we’ve shown it in spurts. I’ve been out for an extended point of time. I’m trying to get back. We’ve got guys out with COVID. I know that’s not an excuse or anything, other teams do as well. But if the question is, you asked, do I still believe? 100 percent, regardless of if anybody else does or not.”
While it might seem like excuses to many, the Celtics have indeed suffered from having players sidelined due to health and safety protocols, but so have other teams. These are unprecedented times, but the Celtics need to find a way to navigate and be successful.
There is still a lot of basketball to be played this season, giving the Celtics enough time to make things right. A top-four finish will be the goal, so at least they can enter the postseason with a home-court advantage.
To achieve that, Tatum needs to be more consistent, and Jaylen Brown needs to deliver more. They have both been called out by teammate Marcus Smart to pass the ball more, and maybe that might be a way to get more players involved and increase the team’s overall production.
In their last game against the Sixers, Brown had a team-high 30 points, but it was not enough to secure the victory. He is averaging 21.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 17 games while shooting 45.5% from the field.
