NBA Legend Breaks Down Celtics Struggles Since 2024 NBA Champion’s Return
The Boston Celtics spent nearly an entire season learning how to win without their franchise cornerstone. Now, with Jayson Tatum back in the lineup, the team is navigating a new challenge as the regular season winds down. Tatum’s return follows a lengthy recovery from an Achilles rupture suffered during last year’s playoffs, an injury that sidelined him for more than ten months. His comeback has been highly anticipated, especially given his importance to Boston’s championship aspirations. While his presence raises the team’s ceiling, it has also introduced a new layer of adjustment that is still unfolding.
Tatum wasted little time making an impact in his return to action. In his first game back on March 6th against the Dallas Mavericks, he recorded 15 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, immediately stepping back into a central role. That performance highlighted his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game despite the long layoff. Boston has gone 6-2 since its return, maintaining its position near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The results suggest stability, though the overall process has not been entirely seamless. Questions have emerged about how smoothly the Celtics have reintegrated their star into a system that evolved in his absence.
NBA legend Tracy McGrady recently offered insight into those concerns during a segment on NBC. McGrady suggested that Boston’s offensive rhythm may still be adjusting to Tatum’s return, particularly when it comes to shooting efficiency and overall cohesion. “I don’t want to say it seems out of whack, but their shooting has gone down since he’s been here,” McGrady said. “It’s really like, ‘guys, what are we doing here? Are we running the same stuff as before? Are we still on the same page? Or are we divided because we’re not playing our same game?’” He added that there is likely a significant mental adjustment taking place as players adapt to Tatum’s reinsertion into the lineup. His comments highlight the complexity of reintegrating a high-usage star into a system that had found success through balance and continuity.
Before Tatum’s return, Boston relied on a more distributed offensive identity. Players like Jaylen Brown carried more in terms of leadership, while role players thrived within a system built on ball movement and spacing. That structure allowed the Celtics to remain competitive despite significant adversity. Reintroducing Tatum naturally shifts those dynamics, as possessions increasingly flow through one of the league’s premier scorers. Adjusting to that change requires time, communication, and a shared understanding of how roles evolve.
Despite the concerns, the Celtics remain in a strong position moving forward. A 6-2 record since Tatum’s return reflects a team that is still finding ways to win while working through adjustments. McGrady’s perspective may be critical, but it does not dismiss Boston’s potential. His analysis highlights the notion that short-term growing pains can ultimately lead to long-term gains. Tatum’s ability to elevate the team remains unquestioned, and his presence could ultimately unlock a higher level of play.
As the postseason approaches, Boston’s focus will be on refining its identity with Tatum fully reintegrated. The Celtics have already proven they can succeed without their star, which adds more perspective to their outlook. Finding the right balance between their previous system and Tatum’s elite production will be key. There is still time for those adjustments to take shape before the playoffs begin. If that balance is achieved, Boston could emerge as one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
