How Boston Celtics star wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum develop this season will be a key factor with how far the team gets in the 2023 NBA playoffs, especially after losing veteran forward Danilo Gallinari for at least the 2022-23 regular season.
While he has not yet played a single game for the Celtics, we ought to include reserve point guard Malcolm Brogdon, whose shooting, scoring and ball movement all figure to be important pieces to Boston’s pursuit of another title. With injury issues of his own in the past, will he be available enough to make a difference in the Celtics’ fortunes?
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley recently dived into this trio’s ceilings and floors for the season to come. Let’s take a look at what he had to say about this topic.
New NBA2K leaks place Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum in tie for 5th-highest in game https://t.co/3qB9yrqtLy
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) September 6, 2022
Malcolm Brogdon - ceiling
The best Bailey can see from the former Rookie of the Year is a debut All-Star appearance.
Brogdon “was one of only a dozen players to average at least 19 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds in each of the past 2 seasons, per Stathead Basketball, so it’s not like his stat lines are far away from star-quality.”
“He has to stay healthy, though, and that’s been a challenge throughout his career.”
Malcolm Brogdon - floor
Brogdon’s worst, per the B/R analyst? Another unhealthy season and a poor fit.
“He made a career-low 36 appearances last season, which marked the second time in five years that he failed to play 50 games.”
“If injuries have the 29-year-old in and out of the lineup, the Celtics could seek a more consistent presence to establish a rhythm with their closing group.”
Jaylen Brown - ceiling
Best case for the Georgia native? He makes All-NBA with improved handles and playmaking.
“If he can make himself more of a live-dribble threat — both as a scorer and a table-setter — that could be the last layer to unlock in his skill set.”
“Throw in his typical efficient shooting and versatile defense, and you could have the ingredients of his first All-NBA selection.”
Jaylen Brown - floor
The worst outcome for Brown? His shooting gets worse, and he can’t improve as a shot-creator his team needs him to be.
“After splashing a career-best 39.7% of his long-range looks in 2020-21, Brown saw his 3-point hit rate fall to 35.8% this past season. It was the second time in four years he has failed to shoot 36% from range.”
“Those percentages may not sound a lot different, but it’s a range that basically separates a league-average shooter from a knockdown marksman.”
Jayson Tatum - ceiling
Bailey’s best case for Tatum would be another first-team All-NBA season with the St. Louis native an MVP finalist to boot.
“We haven’t seen his best yet, and he just snagged All-NBA first-team honors while landing sixth in MVP voting.”
“Still, he could make improvements with his shooting efficiency and playmaking, and if he makes those strides, everything is on the table. He’d be a lock for the All-NBA first team and no worse than a top-3 finisher in MVP voting.”
Jayson Tatum - floor
What might be the worst for the former Duke star this season? More turnovers, a worse 3-point percentage and an All-NBA snub.
“If Boston isn’t as good as expected, and he isn’t as efficient as he can be, it’s possible he’ll go without an All-NBA nod.”
“The forward ranks should be loaded with all-galaxy talents like Kawhi Leonard and Zion Williamson returning to action, so the All-NBA roster spots will be brutally hard to get.”
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