Insider Reveals Celtics Star Decided Not To Get Offseason Surgery

After another disheartening loss deep in the playoffs last season, the Boston Celtics are hoping to make another run at their 18th NBA championship.

They made big changes during the offseason, jettisoning former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and sharpshooter Danilo Gallinari to obtain star center Kristaps Porzingis, and although they also lost 3-and-D forward Grant Williams, some insist trading for Porzingis was a genius move.

Yet Boston’s championship hopes will ultimately fall on star forward Jayson Tatum more than anyone.

Via ClutchPoints, Ramona Shelburne said Tatum thought he may need surgery on his non-shooting wrist, but he ended up deciding against it.

“[Jayson Tatum] went into the offseason thinking he might need surgery on his non-shooting wrist. [He] went to a bunch of specialists and essentially decided [not to get the surgery].”

– @ramonashelburnepic.twitter.com/5Y47sB5mOd

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 29, 2023

Tatum had a career-best effort last season by averaging 30.1 points. 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists a game as the Celtics finished with a 57-25 record, which put them in second place in the Eastern Conference.

In the Eastern Conference Finals they fell behind, 3-0, to the Miami Heat, a team that looked inferior to them on paper, only to charge back and win the next three games.

Everything seemed set up for Boston to achieve a historic Game 7 win at home, but they scored only 84 points and lost by 19.

Tatum was a major reason for the loss, as he scored just 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting.

By trading Smart and receiving Porzingis, the Celtics may be much improved offensively, but the question is how they will continue to be one of the NBA’s top defensive squads.

In addition, their bench has been greatly weakened, as Malcolm Brogdon, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, is their only reserve who is any kind of offensive threat.

NEXT: 
Celtics Analyst Names Bulls Veteran As Alternative For Jrue Holiday