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Writer's pictureIke Udbewrong

Ball-Handling Breakthrough in Beantown??: Cs' 18th Banner Depends on Point Guard Upgrade





In recent years, the Boston Celtics have consistently found themselves on the cusp of greatness, propelled by the promising duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, their journey towards an NBA championship has been hindered by a crucial missing piece in their roster—a true ball-handling point guard. This absence has become increasingly evident, as the Celtics fell short in both the 2022 Finals and the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals. To fulfill their championship aspirations, the Celtics must prioritize acquiring a skilled point guard to alleviate the burden on Tatum and Brown, whose strengths lie elsewhere.


The Tatum-Brown Dynamic:

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have emerged as dynamic scoring talents, dazzling fans and rivals alike with their ability to put the ball in the basket. They possess an array of offensive weapons, including scoring from all areas of the court and the ability to create their own shots. However, relying on them as primary ball handlers has exposed a limitation in their skill sets—neither possesses a natural affinity for controlling the game's tempo or creating opportunities for their teammates.


The Importance of a True Ball-Handling Point Guard:

To maximize the potential of Tatum and Brown, the Celtics require a point guard capable of handling the ball adeptly, setting up plays, and distributing with precision. A true floor general would alleviate the pressure on Tatum and Brown, allowing them to focus on what they excel at—scoring and using their athleticism to dominate. By having a point guard who can orchestrate the offense effectively, the Celtics' offensive flow would become more seamless, creating better opportunities for all players involved.


The Impact on Team Chemistry:

Apart from the on-court benefits, acquiring a skilled ball-handler would also enhance team chemistry. With Tatum and Brown relieved of excessive ball-handling duties, they would be better positioned to develop their chemistry with other teammates. The new point guard could foster cohesion and balance by involving the entire roster in the offensive scheme, ensuring that each player's skills and strengths are utilized optimally.


Learning from Past Setbacks:

The Celtics' recent playoff exits have underscored the urgency of addressing this need. While Tatum and Brown's individual talents are undeniable, expecting them to carry the load of ball handling against elite defenses is an uphill battle. By proactively pursuing a true ball-handling point guard, the Celtics can avoid repeating history and capitalize on the championship window that Tatum and Brown's rise to stardom has opened.



To summarize, the Boston Celtics' quest for an NBA championship necessitates addressing their lack of a true ball-handling point guard. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's talents are better suited for scoring and utilizing their athleticism, rather than being burdened with primary ball-handling responsibilities. By acquiring a skilled point guard, the Celtics would optimize their offensive flow, enhance team chemistry, and elevate their chances of championship glory. It is time for the Celtics' front office to make this crucial move and solidify their path towards success.


#icouldbewrong, but assuming they re-sign Jaylen Brown to the max contract that he's earned this summer, I think Fred Van Vleet should be at the top of the Celtics' offseason wish list. In my opinion, adding his experience and playmaking ability to the talent the Celtics already have on their roster would be just enough to finally get them over the hill they've been climbing since drafting Brown in 2016.

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