After years of deep postseason runs, the Boston Celtics finally hoisted the Larry O'Brien trophy and were crowned the NBA champions of the 2023-2024 season.
Though it took some time, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in trades was the final piece to help Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown win the title.
Along with other key pieces, such as Derrick White, Al Horford, and Payton Prichard, the Celtics will be heavyweights in the Eastern Conference for a while. Though they are the reigning champs, the Celtics' reign doesn't end there. They are now the ones who will have a significant microscope on them, especially from other rival teams like the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
But it's safe to assume that the dynamic duo of Tatum and Brown are well aware of what's in store for them. With the season starting soon, I will review season averages and pick a player I like for specific statistical categories, courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Jaylen Brown
Average 26+ Points Per Game (+280)
Last season was obviously for Jaylen Brown. He helped Boston win its 18th championship, which now leads the league. After having a dominant performance against Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, he won the Finals MVP.
Though the offseason did have some drama for Brown since he wasn't part of the Olympic team, on a positive note, it gave the All-Star wing more time to rest and potentially spark some more motivation.
Brown has averaged 26+ points in a season before, doing it two seasons ago when he averaged 26.6 points while playing 36 minutes. He's capable of doing it again this upcoming season. At this point, Brown and Tatum have eliminated all the narratives. Who's the primary and secondary option, Batman and Robin? They've proven to be equally significant and complement each other well.
Now that all the questions of whether the Celtics will make it over the top or if the duo of Tatum and Brown ever win together are put to rest, I expect a loose Celtics team this season, which still includes them being an elite offensive team. With Porzingis being out until at least December, Brown will have more opportunities to get extra offensive possessions to be aggressive.
Jayson Tatum
Average 9+ Rebounds Per Game (+360)
Jayson Tatum to Average 9+ Rebounds Per Game (+360)
Whether playing small forward or power forward, Jayson Tatum has always been a good rebounder.
At 6'8", Tatum has been one of the best at grabbing boards for his position. He has a career average of 7.2 rebounds in his seven seasons. His best year rebounding the basketball was during the 2022-2023 season when he averaged 8.8 rebounds per game.
Going back to Kristaps Porzingis being out for some time again, having a 7'3" big helps when it comes to crashing the glass. Tatum must emphasize that department more until the Latvian returns to the basketball court. The Celtics still have Al Horford, but he's on the older side.
It wouldn't be a surprise if Tatum had a career-year rebounding the basketball this season.
Jrue Holiday
Average 5+ Assists Per Game (+165)
Jrue Holiday to Average 5+ Assists Per Game (+165)
This is one of those bets with a high rate of pulling through.
Holiday has always been a good playmaker. During the regular season last year, he averaged 4.8 assists.
It's worth noting that last season was the first time Holiday had not averaged 5+ assists since the 2011-2012 season, which was his third season in the league.
The veteran point guard knows how to set up his teammates for success and can also create for himself, which makes him one of the most valuable players in the league. I see this bet quickly hitting, as the Celtics have proven they are a high-powered offense.
