What a ride for the 2022 Boston Celtics. Starting the season 25-25 to finishing 51-31. 11th seed at one point to the second-best record in the East. Every player contributed to this historic turnaround, but certain players were a step above the rest. While some of our guys are going for league-level hardware, the 2022 Boston Celtic awards are here now.
Team Most Valuable Player: Jayson Tatum
After a horrendous start to the season for his standards, Jayson Tatum has ascended into top-ten conversation with his play as of late. Tatum has put himself on the outskirts of the NBA MVP conversation. He is one of four players this season to score 50 points multiple times. Recording career-high averages in points, rebounds, and assists show the work that Tatum has put in as an all-around player. The improved playmaking of the elite scoring wing became a huge factor in the 2022 Boston Celtics’ turnaround. Next in line for this award is none other than Jaylen Brown. Congratulations to both of these players on their fantastic season.
Team Defensive Player of the Year: Marcus Smart
We love Robert Williams, but Marcus Smart is on the verge of winning this for the NBA. Another year of loose ball chasing, blocking centers and guarding one through five with all of his heart. The longest endured Boston Celtic has been the heart and soul as always. The 2022 Boston Celtics were built on defense and there is no better choice than the best defender on the best defensive team in basketball. Marcus Smart is someone that Boston fans love and trust. Congrats to Smart and Williams on two fantastic seasons on defense! Go get the league’s award next, Smart!
Team Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player: Grant Williams
Grant Williams in the 2020-21 season was almost deemed unplayable. In his rookie season, he missed his first 25 three-pointers. The time he has put in to become one of the more lethal three-point shooters in basketball is a reason he snagged two awards for the 2022 Boston Celtics award article. Grant Williams is now an important piece to a bench rotation looking to win a championship. The runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year is Derrick White. Despite a late arrival to the 2022 Boston Celtics, White has provided much need playmaking and defense off the bench. His shots weren’t falling early on, but he has been catching on as of late. The runner-up for most improved is Robert Williams. Most Celtics fans knew Robert Williams’s improvement was a matter of staying healthy. Congrats to these three players on a fantastic season!
Team Acquisition of the Year: Al Horford
This award could’ve gone to a player coming from a trade or a free agent. Al Horford‘s return to the team via trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder has been huge. One of the better defensive big men in basketball and an experienced veteran. Horford has helped guide this team on and off the court while doing plenty of hard labor. The 15-year veteran picked up where he left off in Boston and the guy’s chemistry never looked better. He plays a huge role in the development of Grant Williams and allows the Celtics to space the floor regardless of who’s on the court. Derrick White is also the runner-up for this award after being acquired at the trade deadline. Congrats to these two Celtics!
The 2022 Boston Celtics await their first-round opponent from the winner of the Cavs and Nets. Marcus Smart awaits his Defensive Player of the Year trophy. Jayson Tatum has to sit around for his All-NBA team placing. We sit around for the Celtics to start their championship run. Go Celtics.
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