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Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum the X-factor in team’s championship hopes

By Mike Caliri

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on October 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on October 16, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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If the Boston Celtics are to become a title contender, it will have to be because of Jayson Tatum.

Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum regressed a little bit last year, but the circumstances weren’t exactly great, so you can’t really fault him.

Although, Jaylen Brown faced a lot more turmoil from media, fans and teammates especially and played well. A testament to his character, no doubt.

A lot will be expected of both of them this season, but especially of Tatum.

People think that Jayson Tatum has the potential to be a 25 PPG kind of player.

If that’s the case, a season where he is now considered the team’s centerpiece is a role he will have to prove himself worthy of.

If he’s not careful, Jaylen Brown could take his spot as the best young player on the roster.

He’s kind of winning the race right now… by an inch. Less than that even, if at all.

And that is only because he played the best most recently. I also don’t think Brown will end up being better than Tatum. For the record.

Tatum could easily change it all in a week or less once the season starts anyway.

Plus, the situation should suite him well. Based on his comments about the Pelicans, this is what he wants. A team that’s his.

Well…it’s kind of Kemba Walker‘s team. For now, and then it will be Tatum’s and like 25 percent Smart’s team.

A lot of focus will be on Kemba when it comes to talk about winning a championship, but it is ultimately Jayson Tatum who puts them over the top.

If Tatum takes that next step, so do the Celtics

If he becomes what he’s projected to be, the Boston Celtics will be one of the dominant teams in the next five years to 10 years.

Obviously, Danny Ainge has to be Danny Ainge, but I just expect it from him now. He’s so damn good.

At the end of Kemba’s contract (4 years, 2022-2023 season), Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are mid-twenties, entering their prime and who knows what this year’s class of rookies will look like then. Or any of the players the Boston Celtics acquire as a result of their draft picks, or through free agency for that matter.

Next. Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Kemba Walker’s Players’ Tribune column. dark

The point is, they are set up for a variety of options and opportunities.

Let’s just hope this all plays out better than the last couple of years have.

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