Jayson Tatum Needs the Ball

While I’m not too worried about their playoff prospect, one thing is clear: the Boston Celtics haven’t been nearly as dominant as last year.

Yes, their top six haven’t consistently been in the lineup, but their lack of energy and effort is jarring.

Their 8.9 net rating this season is nowhere near last season’s 11.6.

The Celtics have gone 9-8 since their collapse against the Memphis Grizzlies, which is mediocre, to say the least.

What’s going wrong?

The Celtics knew what they were doing at all times last year. This year? Not so much.

Jaylen Brown dominated the first quarter, running a two-man game with Kristaps Porzingis. Jayson Tatum would be more aggressive in the second quarter, getting the ball to Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Jrue Holiday. Al Horford and Payton Pritchard would hit big shots.

That’s how games were won. Making a ton of 3s and playing elite defense.

Now, every game is dependent on match-ups. There’s just no fluidity. If one of the Jays takes a back seat, that is unacceptable.

While it pains me to say, Porzingis doesn’t play in half of the games. Derrick White has been above average, but Jrue Holiday doesn’t quite look like himself.

Something is clearly off, and Joe Mazzulla must fix it before the playoffs. While we can’t be too worried about the Celtics, they must fix their chemistry issues.

A big part of that? Health.

The Jayson Tatum conundrum.

What if I told you that there was one stat that has dictated the Celtics play?

After a brutal loss to the Raptors, the Celtics need to examine themselves in the mirror.

How do these issues get fixed? Get Jayson Tatum the ball.

USG% Tonight:

Derrick White 27.3%

Jaylen Brown 26.4%

Jayson Tatum 21.2%

The Celtics are now (3-5) on the season when Tatum has a USG lower than 27%

Tonight’s 21.2% USG is the lowest mark of the season for Tatum. And it ends in a loss to the Toronto Raptors.

— GEORGE (@itsGeorgeyy) January 16, 2025

With Jayson Tatum’s touches at 85.7 to start the season, the Celtics went 21-5. That number has dipped to 77.5 touches in their skid.

Unacceptable.

Since the start of the 2022/23 season:

The Celtics are (49-3) when Jayson Tatum has a USG > 33%

When Tatum has a USG > 35% the Celtics are…… undefeated (29-0) pic.twitter.com/C3CVDQ1WlX

— GEORGE (@itsGeorgeyy) January 5, 2025

Possessions where Pritchard looks off a Tatum mismatch in the post are unacceptable.

Possessions where Tatum sits in the corner the entire posession are unacceptable.

Possessions where Tatum doesn’t touch the ball are unacceptable.

It’s also very clear to me Jayson Tatum is frustrated with Mazzulla Ball.

How are we letting Payton Pritchard wave off our superstar.

— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) January 16, 2025

Jayson Tatum needs the ball.