For all intents and purposes, it seemed like this would be a gap year for the Boston Celtics. After losing Jayson Tatum during the playoffs last season and making no splash moves in the offseason, the Celtics seemed content with waiting.
However, the depth of the roster and the brilliance of head coach Joe Mazzulla have made them a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference. As a result, a legend of the game believes an adjustment is needed now that their superstar has returned.
Carmelo Anthony Says Jayson Tatum Should Defer to Jaylen Brown
Carmelo Anthony, one of the greatest scorers in the game and a 10-time All-Star, spoke on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast about the state of the Celtics after Tatum’s return. But his advice was solely focused on the former NBA Champion taking a backseat.
“For so long JB has sacrificed everything. Now it’s like JT, what are you going to sacrifice? I held the fort down for you and the whole organization.”
Anthony added, “JT has to be very mature about this situation. It’s no ego, no pride. We got a chance to come back and win a championship. So let me just put my pride and ego aside for these next three months and continue to let JB steer the ship, because he has proved that he can do it at an MVP level on both sides of the court.”
Melo gets real on what Jayson Tatum’s return means for Jaylen Brown & the Celtics 👀
“JT gotta be very mature about this situation … let me put my pride & ego aside and continue to let JB steer the ship.” pic.twitter.com/hXLiVXyL1R
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) March 5, 2026
Before Tatum’s glorious return against the Dallas Mavericks, the Celtics had already been cruising along splendidly with a 41-21 record in his absence. Top to bottom, the roster had outperformed virtually every expectation leveled at them.
As a result, Tatum’s return to the lineup may have been the final piece Boston needed to make another deep run in the East, potentially even taking home the crown. Ranked second in offensive rating and among the top teams defensively, they have all the markings of a truly elite team.
However, the key to their operation this season has been Brown. In the midst of arguably his best season in the NBA, he’s averaging career highs in points (28.8), rebounds (7.2), and assists (5.1).
Earning some MVP consideration in the process, he’s solidified his standing on the team. But for two players who have constantly been compared to one another, despite being on the same team, Anthony believes it is Brown’s time to shine.
According to him, this combination could take Boston deep into the playoffs, or even to a championship, but the acclimation process with Tatum back in the lineup will be the Celtics’ biggest hurdle.
