Celtics Enter 2026-27 With Tatum as Focal Point After Brown Trade

Boston dealt Jaylen Brown to acquire Paul George, and Jayson Tatum is set to lead a Celtics offense that ranked second in efficiency during the 2025-26 season.

The Boston Celtics approach the 2026-27 NBA season with Jayson Tatum as the clear centerpiece of the franchise. The team traded Jaylen Brown, a former NBA Finals MVP, to acquire Paul George, and coach Joe Mazzulla has designed his schemes and rotations around Tatum as the primary star.

According to the analysis, Boston's offense ranked among the league's best in 2025-26 despite Tatum appearing in only 16 games that season. The Celtics posted a 120.8 offensive rating, second in the NBA, and led the league in turnover percentage at 0.112. They also ranked sixth in offensive rebounding percentage at 0.292.

Mazzulla's system relies on a deliberate approach. Boston played at the NBA's slowest pace, at 94.8, using large portions of the shot clock to search for high-value shots rather than quick attempts. That style, paired with strong shooting and offensive rebounding, produced extra possessions and second-chance points.

One unusual split in the numbers involved free throws. The Celtics ranked seventh in free throw percentage at 0.807 but were 29th in free throw rate, a gap the analysis tied in part to Tatum's limited availability last season.

The report also noted that Brad Stevens, Paul George, Hugo Gonzalez, and Mitchell Robinson factor into how the roster takes shape, with LeBron James joining the 76ers mentioned as a separate development in the wider league landscape.