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Boston Celtics: Way too early starting lineup prediction for 2021-22

By Lance Legere

May 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after scoring against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Brian Fluharty-Pool/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics (Photo by Brian Fluharty-Pool/Getty Images) /

Forwards: Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum

These were the two obvious locks for the Celtics starting lineup. Rather than split the two up, let’s talk about the Jays as a duo and what they can do together to make the Celtics a better overall unit.

Well, first thing’s first, let’s just remind everyone that Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are great friends:

This was certainly a great reminder for fans and those around the league that questioned the chemistry between the two young stars. Off the court, relationships can certainly affect how players play with one another. Safe to say that this won’t be an issue for Boston to worry about.

Ime Udoka has described Brown and Tatum as “two young pillars” and building blocks for what the Celtics ultimately hope to accomplish.

Jaylen and Jayson are two great individual offensive talents who have both expanded their offensive repertoires and have showcased a wide range of shot-creating abilities.

Scoring will not be the issue for either player, it is the playmaking of both Jaylen and Jayson that must improve.

Good players can score, great players can score and make others around them better. Both averaged career bests in assists last season with Tatum posting 4.3 per game and Brown not too far behind with 3.4 per game.

With a lack of trustworthy options on the roster last season, both Tatum and Brown elected to clear out and go iso for a majority of possessions.

Udoka made an emphasis on preaching team basketball in his opening press conference in July. The Celtics ranked 27th in assists last season. The Jays can change that by becoming better and willing playmakers.

They can also change their fortunes defensively if they are willing to buy in on that end of the floor. There is no question the abilities and potential both have as two-way players in this league, it is a matter of putting it all together and giving effort on that end of the floor on a nightly basis.

Leading by example could be the difference between having the entire roster buying into their roles. The Jays have a lot on their shoulders, but there aren’t two players more fitted to do so for the Boston Celtics.

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