Zach Lowe: Jayson Tatum’s remarkable return boosts Celtics’ championship hopes, Jalen Brown’s significant improvement, and the rarity of long-term player partnerships | Bill Simmons

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Key Takeaways

Jayson Tatum’s return from injury has been remarkable, surpassing expectations with his performance.
Tatum’s missed dunk demonstrated his explosive potential and ability to change direction quickly.
The Celtics’ current roster dynamics suggest they have a championship-caliber lineup.
Long-term player partnerships are rare in today’s NBA, highlighting the significance of enduring team dynamics.
Jalen Brown has shown notable improvement this year, enhancing his consistency on the court.
The Celtics’ defensive trio of White, Jalen, and Jason is expected to be one of the best in the league.
The Celtics may have the deepest team since their 2008 championship squad, with significant roster depth.
Evan Mobley still has significant potential for growth and has not yet peaked.
Mobley needs to develop a more consistent three-point shot and be more aggressive offensively.
Concerns remain about Mobley’s three-point shooting as he has not leveled up in his fifth year.
The Celtics’ strong performances in recent games indicate their potential to reach the finals.
Player movement and team structures in the NBA make long-term partnerships challenging.
The Celtics’ current team synergy and depth are reminiscent of their past championship success.
Mobley’s development is crucial for the Cavaliers’ championship aspirations.
The Celtics’ roster depth allows them to play effectively with a deep rotation.

Guest intro

Zach Lowe is a senior writer at ESPN covering NBA transactions, Xs-and-Os analysis, and player stories. He joined Grantland as an NBA analyst in 2012 after launching the Point Forward column at Sports Illustrated and now hosts The Lowe Post podcast.

Tatum’s impressive return

Tatum’s recovery from injury has been faster and more effective than anticipated.
I’m legitimately shocked at how good he looks… he looks really, really good already

— Zach Lowe
His performance has been a positive surprise, showcasing his resilience and skill.
Tatum’s return is a significant boost for the Celtics’ playoff hopes.
The eye test confirms his impressive form, despite statistical averages.
The change of direction and explosion toward the hoop were like jarring to me

— Zach Lowe
Tatum’s missed dunk was seen as a positive sign of his athleticism and potential.
His ability to catch and attack off screens highlights his offensive versatility.

Celtics’ championship potential

The Celtics’ current lineup is seen as having championship potential.
That’s a scary lineup

— Zach Lowe
Recent performances against strong teams have demonstrated their capabilities.
The synergy among key players is critical for their playoff success.
The team’s depth allows them to adapt to different game situations.
The Celtics’ defensive trio is expected to be a formidable force.
Defensively those three together, White, Jalen, and Jason are just… it’s gonna be one of the best

— Zach Lowe
Their ability to maintain a deep rotation is reminiscent of past championship teams.

Jalen Brown’s development

Jalen Brown has improved significantly this season, enhancing his game consistency.
I just think Jalen is a better player than he was last year

— Zach Lowe
His development is crucial for the Celtics’ overall performance.
Brown’s consistency and skill set make him a key player for the team.
His growth has been a positive influence on team dynamics.
Brown’s improvement is evident in his offensive and defensive contributions.
His role in the Celtics’ defensive trio is pivotal for their success.
Brown’s performance this season has exceeded expectations.

Evan Mobley’s potential

Mobley has not yet reached his peak and has room for further growth.
I would be very hesitant to say that we’ve peaked with Evan Mobley

— Zach Lowe
His youth and potential make him a valuable asset for the Cavaliers.
Developing a consistent three-point shot is crucial for his offensive impact.
It’s a more consistent three-point shot… a little bit more aggression

— Zach Lowe
Mobley’s growth is essential for the Cavaliers’ championship aspirations.
His current performance suggests significant untapped potential.
Concerns about his three-point shooting remain, highlighting areas for improvement.

The rarity of long-term partnerships

Long-term player partnerships are unusual in the modern NBA landscape.
Just two guys playing together for this long is impossible

— Zach Lowe
The league’s structure often leads to frequent player movement.
Maintaining a stable partnership requires strong team dynamics.
The Celtics’ ability to retain key players is a strategic advantage.
Long-term partnerships can enhance team cohesion and performance.
The rarity of such partnerships underscores the challenges of modern team management.
The Celtics’ success in this area is notable in the current NBA context.

Celtics’ roster depth

The Celtics’ current team may be their deepest since the 2008 championship squad.
I think this might be the deepest Celtics team since the o 8 team

— Zach Lowe
Their depth allows for a strong rotation and adaptability in games.
The team’s ability to go 11 deep is a significant advantage.
Depth provides flexibility in managing player workloads and injuries.
A deep roster contributes to sustained performance throughout the season.
The Celtics’ depth is a key factor in their championship aspirations.
Comparing the current team to past successes highlights their potential.