Gary: I think this season will be a special one. Jayson Tatum had a mediocre preseason by the standard he set last year when making the All-NBA first team. How do you predict the season will unfold? And while we’re at it, give me one wacky prediction. But for now, these Celtics are pretty loaded. This year could help determine whether he sees Boston as his long-term home or not. And it’s hard to believe, but Brown suddenly has just two years remaining on his contract extension. They need a better Tatum in all facets.Īdam: There’s no question that this will be an important year for Tatum as he tries to show that his first-team All-NBA selection was no fluke, especially as so many stars who were injured last year return. Maybe he’ll show the hunger and improvement during the regular season, but I didn’t see much in the preseason. Tatum appeared like the Celtics won the Finals a few months ago.

I was a little disturbed he brushed off his preseason struggles as just being a “slow starter.” Jaylen Brown played this preseason like he had something to prove, like he’s been working. He has to become a more vocal leader, stop complaining about the officiating and not settle for as many 3-pointers. Instead, it seems like Tatum kind of brushed off the Finals loss, did some hanging out, and is hoping the same summer regimen is going to help him take the next step. Gary: You would think Tatum went into the lab all summer trying to work on the things Golden State exposed in the Finals. I think he exceeded everybody’s expectations last year, but does Father Time pay a visit this season? Can Griffin fill that role? Who is going to block shots for the Celtics? Is it Kornet? I think this is the most unsettling position on the roster and there is no real comfortable answer at this point. Griffin, I think, is going to play more than expected and the one thing I would watch out for is a wall for 36-year-old Al Horford.

I am confused about the fascination with Kornet, who has proven to be nothing more than a third center so far in his career, yet apparently is going to be playing major minutes. Gary: I think from the looks of the preseason, rebounding is going to be an issue. Speaking of Williams, how do you think the Celtics will be best positioned to thrive while he remains out following knee surgery? Should they truly embrace small-ball or lean on some backups such as Blake Griffin, Luke Kornet, and Noah Vonleh?

Related : Malcolm Brodgon has embraced his role in Boston, both on and off the court

Breaking the quiet part 3