Celtics Tatum Leads the Way, but Future Builds on Young Talent in Eastern Conference Finals

As the Boston Celtics prepare to take on the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference finals, it's clear that their roster has undergone significant changes this season, yet their results remain consistent. The underlying factor in their success is the play of Jayson Tatum, who has delivered in the postseason as expected. Tatum is averaging 31.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over the Celtics' 10 playoff games and remains the one player on the roster with MVP potential. However, it's not just Tatum who has been a key contributor. Marcus Smart has also been a major factor in the Celtics' success this season, averaging 16.5 points and 6.5 assists per game in the playoffs. His defensive prowess has been a major factor in the team's success, and his presence on both ends of the court has been invaluable. The addition of Al Horford has also been a huge boost for the Celtics. The 12-year veteran is averaging 12.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in the playoffs and has been a steady presence both on and off the court. His experience and leadership have been invaluable as the Celtics have made their way to the conference finals. While the Celtics face a formidable challenge against the 76ers, they have a well-structured roster that has the chance to beat anyone, which is more than you can ask for from a lot of teams. The team has a clear understanding of their individual roles, with Tatum and Smart leading the way on offense, while Horford and Robert Williams III provide stability on defense. The Celtics have also shown a willingness to make adjustments as needed, mixing and matching their starting lineup to find the best fit for each game. This flexibility has allowed them to stay fresh and avoid any potential fatigue that could come with playing a long playoff run. Looking to the future, the Celtics will have to pivot off some of their older players like Horford and Williams due to age. While they'll still need a center and point guard, they have some young talent in Payton Pritchard and Grant Williams that they can build around in the future. So, what to make of the Celtics, both now and moving forward? They consistently outperform expectations, with a superstar in Tatum and a solid supporting cast that is only getting better with experience. It does feel, on some level, that this year could represent their best chance at shocking the world, especially considering how teams in the East will only get better. And, frankly, it would be ridiculous to count out that scenario.