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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Brad Stevens, Celtics president of basketball operations.

What Do The Boston Celtics Intend To Be?

Jayson Tatum Might Redefine Basketball’s Worst Injury, Or Might Not

Patrick Redford

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 26: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second half of the game against the Detroit Pistonsat the TD Garden on November 26, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

Jaylen Brown Is Handling The Spotlight Just Fine

Tom Ley

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics lays on the ground after being injured against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. 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.

It Can All Go To Hell In A Hurry

Albert Burneko

A four-square of Brian Windhorst talking, with a little Windy in the middle as well

This Is So Stupid

Allowing For Various Metaphors

Jayson Tatum holds up three fingers to celebrate making a three-pointer in a game in which the Celtics missed an NBA playoff–record 45 threes, and lost in overtime.

The Celtics Will Just Keep Doing This Until We Are All Driven Insane

Samer Kalaf

Celtics Bring Lakers Back Down To Earth

Jayson Tatum not playing in the Olympics.

Steve Kerr Needs Some Better Excuses

Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics of the Boston Celtics celebrates with the Larry O'Brien Trophy after the game against the Dallas Mavericks during Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on June 17, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Celtics Were Built To Shine

Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks in Game Three of the 2024 NBA Finals at American Airlines Center on June 12, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

The Celtics Keep It Simple

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 25: Jayson Tatum #0 and Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics high five during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 25, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics Were Finally Forced To Do Cool Stuff

Al Horford reacts during the Boston Celtics' Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Celtics Are Waiting For A Real Challenge

Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots a three point basket during overtime against the Boston Celtics on November 6, 2023 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Wolves Can Do Damage When Anthony Edwards Gets Serious

Giri Nathan

The Celtics Are All The Way In

Jaylen Brown looks miserable during the post-game press conference.

Jaylen Brown Was Supermaximally Shitty When It Counted

Luis Paez-Pumar

Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat exchanges words with Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 19, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Celtics Are Gifting The Heat This Series

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 11: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference semi-finals on May 11, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jayson Tatum Hit The Shots When It Mattered

BELGRADE, SERBIA - AUGUST 25: Nikola Jokic (L) of Serbia in action against Giannis Antetokounmpo (R) of Greece during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifier game between Serbia and Greece at Stark Arena on August 25, 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

The Knowable Unknown Of The 2023 NBA MVP Discourse Is Breaking Our Brains

Boston, MA - January 28: Los Angeles Lakers SF LeBron James falls to his knees in frustration after the final play of regulation. The Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics, 125-121, in overtime. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

There’s No Sense In The Lakers Crying Over The Unavoidable

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 24: Marcus Smart #36, Jaylen Brown #7 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrate against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center on October 24, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Celtics Are Untouchable

David Roth

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera staring very intensely at new quarterback Carson Wentz, but The Distraction logo has been superimposed over Wentz's face.

Podcasts

Endurance Basketball, Dystopian Golf, And The Plight Of The Sacrificial Mensch

Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins (Golden State Warriors) wrestle Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) for the ball

What’s Up With Jayson Tatum?

Marcus Smart returns to the court after an injury in Game 3

The Celtics Should Try Three Dramatic Player Returns Next Time

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates the game winning basket as Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the fourth quarter of Round 1 Game 1 of the 2022 NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on April 17, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Nets 115-114. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)