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Jayson Tatum and the Celtics are making irrational optimism feel rational

The Boston Celtics are off to a preseason start that has fans and analysts alike questioning whether their optimism is justified—or if this team is truly breaking the mold. Jayson Tatum, already an All-NBA caliber player, has quickly silenced doubts about his return to form after last season’s injury struggles, dominating early minutes with his usual efficiency.

Meanwhile, the team’s so-called “chaos wing”—led by Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez, and Jordan Walsh—has elevated their play, combining relentless offensive energy with defensive disruption. Even late-round draft picks like Dillon Mitchell and Chris Cenac Jr.

are showing flashes of potential, with Mitchell’s explosiveness and basketball IQ standing out in limited preseason action. Cenac, a versatile forward, could carve out a role as a rotational big man, though his early season may begin with Boston’s G League affiliate in Maine.

The combination of Tatum’s elite skill and the rising contributions from this young, high-energy core is giving the Celtics a look that feels both familiar and entirely fresh—one that could redefine what’s possible in the league this season.

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