Tatum is a six-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA First Team selection, and played a key role in leading the Celtics to the 2024 NBA Championship. This season, he averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists across 72 games, helping Boston secure the No. 2 seed in the East.

If there’s another X-factor that Tatum believes shouldn’t be overlooked in assessing the Celtics’ title chances, it’s head coach Joe Mazzulla. “He’s the best coach in the NBA, even though he’ll

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, right, looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, left, during the first half in game 3 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series,, Friday, April 25, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) AP