4 legacies on the line ahead of the 2024 NBA playoffs

3) Jayson Tatum

Considered by many as the best team in basketball, the weight of expectations for the Boston Celtics is immense. Much of their expectations fall heavily on the shoulders of Jayson Tatum. For Tatum, the postseason represents not only a chance at redemption but also an opportunity to cement his legacy.

However, lingering memories of past playoff disappointments loom large, casting a shadow over Tatum's quest for a title. The bitter taste of defeat in the 2022 NBA Finals still lingers in the minds of Celtics fans and players alike. Despite Tatum's heroics throughout the playoffs, the Celtics fell short in their quest for a championship.

Moreover, the painful defeat to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, after clawing back from a 3-0 series deficit only to lose in Game 7, serves as a reminder of the fine line between success and failure in the postseason.

This season has been a rollercoaster for Tatum and the Celtics, characterized by dramatic highs and devastating lows. The team's inconsistency has been exemplified by their ability to blow significant leads, such as the infamous 30-point collapse against the Atlanta Hawks.

The Celtics made bold moves in the offseason to bolster their roster, including trading away Robert Williams and adding Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Now, the pressure is on Tatum to deliver when it matters most.