How Boston Re-established Itself As Contenders

- - The Boston Celtics successfully swept the Brooklyn Nets in Barclays Center thanks to Jayson Tatum's heroic performance of 29 pts 3 rebs 5 asts on 4.25.2022.

The Kevin Durant-led Brooklyn Nets have been the clear favorites to win the Championship all year. But to the surprise of many, Jayson Tatum and company not only defeated Brooklyn but did so in only four games.

Despite being immense underdogs, the Celtics don't seem taken back one bit. From the top-down, the Celtics have successfully brought in young talent. But what's even more impressive is the culture they have established. The Celtics have a strong sense of belonging, and every player on their roster has faith that they can compete with just about anyone.

Up until recently, Boston has had their fair share of ups and downs. Especially, with their injury history and failed experiments (Isaiah Thomas/Gordan Hayward injury, and Kyrie Irving signing). Even still, the Celtics are extraordinary because It is very rare that playoff teams are entirely built using the draft and without a significant big-name free agency signing. Now, with that being said, let's take a deeper look at how Boston managed to get its hands on its key pieces to begin with...

Celtics Timeline

1. Boston signed undrafted German center Daniel Theis [2013 draft]

• Daniel played for a German basketball club called Brose Bamberg. There he won 3 consecutive championships and averaged 10pts 5rebs, and 1blk while competing against both the BBL and EuroLeague.

• Daniel Theis has now developed into a solid starting five that can work the pick and roll well, protect the rim, and even shoot the three.

2. If we're all being honest, this team truly began with the acquisition of PG Marcus Smart [2014 draft- Selected in Round: 1/ Pick: 6]

• In Marcus's sophomore season, he averaged 18 pts 6 rebs, and 5 asts for Oklahoma state on 42% shooting.

• Former [ROY, POY, 2X All Big 12, and 2X Big 12 All Defense]

• With the 6th pick, Marcus appeared to be a no-brainer. He's a natural-born leader, a passionate player, and an excellent 2-way guard.

3. Next was athletic specimen Jaylen Brown SG [2016 draft-

Selected in Round: 1/ Pick: 3]

• The Celtics drafted Jaylen Brown as he seemed to be the obvious option, with both Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram being taken with the first and second pick. Jaylen was exactly what they were looking for; an athletic shot-creator who could help take some of the offensive load off Isaiah Thomas. Boston's mindset at the time was to begin developing a dominant backcourt alongside IT as Jaylen progressed in the NBA.

• Pac 12 ROY

• 15-16 All pack 12

• 14.5 pts on 43% shooting and 5.4 rebs

4. Boston received Duke phenom Jayson Tatum SF [2017 draft- Selected in Round: 1/ Pick: 3]

• 19-year-old Jayson Tatum had been showing glimpses of incredible potential.

• His aggressive style had managed to even get attention from the likes of the late great Kobe Bryant during his Duke days.

• Additionally, he was an elite scorer and led his team in scoring with an efficient 16.8 pts on 45 % shooting. Not to mention he is 6'8" and has a 6'11" wingspan.

• Boy, did this one pay off.

5. When 2018 came, the Celtics selected Robert Williams III C [2018 draft- Selected in Round: 1/ Pick: 27]

• In search of an athletic shot-blocking center that could give them a much-needed presence in the paint, the Celtics drafted Robert Williams from Texas A&M. The 7'6 wingspanded center averaged;12pts 8 rebs & 2.5 blks.

• 2X SEC DPOY

• SEC All-Freshman

6. Next, the Celtics selected Grant Williams PF [2020 draft- Selected in Round: 1/ Pick: 26]

• Coming into the draft, Grant's popular NBA comparison was Mike Scott. In Tennessee, Grant proved to be an able low post scorer and an efficient three-point shooter.

• 2X All-SEC

• 2X SEC POY

• 2019 All-SEC Tourney

7. Finally, Boston selected Payton Pritchard PG [2020 draft- Selected in Round: 1/ Pick: 22]

• Payton Pritchard was compared to Jalen Brunson during his Oregon days. He averaged 13.5 pts, 3.8 rebs, & 4.6 rebs. Payton is a tenacious scorer and high-energy defender. He also shot 41% from three.

• 2X All-Pac-12

• Pac-12 Tourney MVP

Boston Culture

This timeless organization finds its way to the top of the East time and time again due to its consistently competent front office and ruthlessness with players and staff.

Boston expects nothing less than excellence from their front office all the way down to their 15th player. Another big reason for Boston's success is its intense work ethic, openness to criticism, and sound offensive/defensive schemes.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the team by example as they both play exceptionally well both offensively and defensively. This season Tatum averaged; 27 pts 8 rebs 4 asts and Brown avg; 24 pts 6 rebs & 3.5 asts. Although Tatum and Brown do a lot of the heavy lifting, you cant speak on Boston Celtics culture without concurrently talking about Marcus smart. Celtics nation undoubtedly considers Marcus Smart to be their true leader. Marcus has the longest ties within the organization on the current team besides Daniel Theis. Additionally, he always plays with 100% effort and has a place in nearly every team's starting lineup. Due to these traits, he has earned the trust of both the organization and players.

As a result of Smart's unwavering loyalty and dedication, Smart has earned privileges other members don't have. He gets away with things such as calling out the star players, Tatum and Brown. And because nobody doubts Marcus's desire to win ball games, they know his criticism comes from a place of passion/love rather than ill will. When nobody else will, you can rely on Smart to be vocal and express his concerns. There was a time in the season when Boston was on a lengthy losing stretch, and Tatum and Brown were running an iso-centered offense/playing hero ball. And just like clockwork, Smart spoke with both the media and his team about his frustrations. Not too long from then, the Celtics worked out their issues internally like a team and went on to clinch the 2nd seed.

Today, Smart is unidentifiable in comparison to his rookie self. He complements both Tatum and Brown well and can even make catch-and-shoot threes at an elite level now. Additionally, this year he won defensive player of the year. Making him the first guard to win DPOY since Seattle's Hall of Famer Gary Payton back in 1996. Marcus frequently works on ways to help his team win games and comes into every season with a new trick up his sleeve. Smart is fundamentally what it means to be a Boston Celtic.

Every team needs a Marcus Smart or is in search of one. What he provides to the team is unquantifiable. Although most of what he does, doesn't show up on the stat sheet, Marcus has winning qualities that rub off on the rest of the team. Thanks to arguably the NBA's best front office and most fierce stars/culture, Boston is a terrifying unit everyone must take seriously.