Can the Boston Celtics emerge as championship contenders?

When the Boston Celtics decided to trade away Jaylen Brown earlier this summer, fans were understandably concerned. After all, the duo of Brown and Jayson Tatum had led to an NBA Finals appearance in 2022 and a championship in 2024. Without Brown in the rotation, questions began to arise regarding t

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What is the story about?

When the Boston Celtics decided to trade away Jaylen Brown earlier this summer, fans were understandably concerned. After all, the duo of Brown and Jayson Tatum had led to an NBA Finals appearance in 2022 and a championship in 2024. Without Brown in the rotation, questions began to arise regarding the Celtics' ability to build another contending roster during Tatum's prime years.

A 10-2 start to the 2026-27 NBA season may have eased some of those concerns. Not only are the Celtics playing good basketball, but they're also embracing the smaller details that create winning habits later in the season. Boston is also playing a higher-pressure style of basketball, jumping from 23rd in opponent turnover percentage last season to eighth to begin this

campaign. Joe Mazzulla's team looks to be versatile on offense and relentless on defense.

With this in mind, NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg and Kayla Burton recently discussed the Celtics chances of emerging as a genuine championship contender this season. The analysts pointed toward Boston's hot start to the season, the improvements in style of play, and the All-NBA level of production from Jayson Tatum as potential factors in a championship push.

You can watch the full episode by clicking on the embedded video below.