The Boston Celtics had a stellar roster. However, they were eliminated by the New York Knicks in a tough playoff series. Head coach Joe Mazzulla could not find the balance his team showed during the regular season. To make matters worse, they lost their top star, Jayson Tatum, to injury. As a result of falling short of their goals, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gave a surprising take on why the Celtics came up short.
“Seems like they get bored sometimes, I don’t want to say with the process, s**t, they are who they are. You look at Tatum and Brown, this is years, and years, and years, and years, they’ve punched their ten thousand hours. Sometimes it seems like they get a little bored because of how great they are. Not only them two as individuals but them as a team,” stated Lakers player LeBron James on Mind The Game podcast.
Although many interpreted his words as criticism, LeBron actually offered a compliment to the team. The Lakers’ star acknowledged that the roster is full of talent, and he emphasized how good they really are. Moreover, he reinforced a belief that many Celtics fans already share. Especially since the core of their championship-winning roster has remained intact.
Now that Celtics have suffered another early exit, the franchise enters a critical offseason. Once again, questions will rise about the true ceiling of the Tatum-Brown duo. This time, the pressure feels heavier.
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 look on in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on April 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
NBA insiders report that the franchise may have financial concerns that continue to grow. For that reason, the front office must act decisively. Even so, the team plans to keep its two stars together. As a result, the team could part ways with role players like Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, or Sam Hauser.
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas questions Jaylen Brown’s ability to lead the offense in the 2025-25 season
With Jayson Tatum sidelined by a torn Achilles, the Boston Celtics need Jaylen Brown to take charge of the offense. Tatum’s recovery could keep him out for the entire next season, making Brown the clear candidate to lead the team. As the Celtics’ second star and a player set to earn $53 million in the 2025–26 season, as per spotrac. Now, Brown faces the responsibility to lead the team.
Nonetheless, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas doubts Jaylen Brown’s ability to do so: “ He (Brown) doesn’t have really the playmaking skills. He’s a slasher-scorer style. I mean he can be Batman some nights, but Batman for the whole season, we haven’t seen that yet.”
Gilbert Arenas’ opinion is gaining momentum among fans, especially those who saw Jayson Tatum left alone on offense. When Tatum was not involved, Brown did not step up. He struggled to create plays and failed to stand out during the series. This does not mean he lacks the talent. However, fans remain skeptical of his capacity to lead the offense.
