NBA rumors: 3 franchise-altering decisions on the table for Celtics

2. To keep or fire Brad Stevens

Stevens is a tremendous coaching talent, but he failed to deliver in the bubble and in this year’s postseason. The most likely solution here is that Stevens enters the 2021-22 season on the hot seat with something to prove.

When Ainge hired the best young coaching mind in the game out of Butler, he thought he’d have a title by now. After a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals last year, they finished fourth in the Atlantic Division this season. This team is heading in the wrong direction despite the young pieces he played a role in bringing to Beantown.

Three weeks ago, Boston sports columnist Bob Ryan spoke up about Stevens’ status as Celtics head coach with the following: “I hate to say this, but Brad has got to figure out something,” Ryan said. “How many times are we going to hear and have a discussion about motivation, about effort, about the defense?”

Would one more time suffice?

1. Can this core win a championship?

Jayson Tatum is worth building around. I am not debating that fact. But, is he the best player on the title team? At just 23 years old, we don’t yet have the answer.

Alongside Tatum is Jaylen Brown, who will remain in Boston for the time being unless included in a deal for another major trade chip. Tatum and Brown operate well together, even if still strengthening off the court. Ainge has surrounded the two with capable players, but not necessarily veterans who hold them accountable.

The lack of leadership on this Boston team was evident any time they’d face adversity, a losing streak, or fall behind by a reasonable amount. The Celtics never had an answer, and that’s always on the head coach and best players, regardless of age.

It’s time for Brown and Tatum to grow up, and Ainge to figure out if he needs to keep adding.