The Celtics are going to be a force in the Eastern Conference for a while

By Max Smith | Jul 12, 2020

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 26, 2020 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

The Boston Celtics have eight players under 26.

The Boston Celtics have been preparing for the future for a long time. Ever since the monumental trade that sent away Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry for three unprotected picks, the Celtics have been waiting for this moment. The future is now.

Boston currently has eight players under the age of 26, most notably Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart. The other players that round out the list have shown promise in their short careers already. Grant Williams will be an NBA player for a long time. Robert Williams is an athletic freak who is perfect for the new NBA. Even Tremont Waters was named G League Rookie of the Year this season.

Celtics players age

Jayson Tatum: 22
Jaylen Brown: 23
Marcus Smart: 26
Robert Williams: 22
Carsen Edwards: 22
Romeo Langford: 20
Grant Williams: 21
Tremont Waters: 22

That’s 8 guys under 26, this Celtics team is here for a LONG time. pic.twitter.com/ozj4ocgIwP
— Celtics Junkies (@Celtics_Junkies) July 8, 2020

This season, Tatum showed the NBA just how elite he can be. He will be the catalyst if the Celtics are going to win an NBA title in the future. Coming into the season, it was uncertain who would be the No. 1 option on offense. We now have our answer. It will be Jayson Tatum for many years to come in Boston.

The Celtics are going to be a problem in the East for a long time.

Jaylen Brown also took a major step this season. The impact of Kyrie Irving’s departure was clearly a huge help for him, as he averaged 20.4 points per game and continued to improve his already stellar defensive game.

Moving forward, it’s tough to see another Eastern Conference team that has as much potential as the Celtics. Giannis Antetokounmpo will become a free agent after next season, and who knows where he will end up? The Philadelphia 76ers proved that they still have a lot to do in order to challenge for the East. But the Celtics took a huge step this season.

The sky is the limit for their young core. They have their superstar in Tatum. They have their No. 2 guy in Brown. Then, they have a ton of even younger guys with the potential to be difference-makers. The rest of the Eastern Conference should prepare for a dominant run from the Celtics in the coming years.

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