Most Improved Celtic this year

[trickybilly]

I was thinking about how we've had a lot of guys really step up this year, and I think a lot of that comes down to Kyrie not being here, but nevertheless, there has been some real improvement from a lot of our guys.


I could have included Gordy, Time, and Wanamaker, who all took a big step foward this year, but the question is framed as who took the most "significant" step forward in terms of impacting our wins.

And who doesn't love polls?

At risk of messing with democracy, please see this video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt71RlmQpo8

[Silas]

Our starting center surprised me this year and has improved the most.  Theis deserves Most Improved Celtic!

[Neurotic Guy]

Lots of candidates, but I have to go with one of the Jays.  I’ll say Tatum.  Went from a guy bordering on all-star to a guy who has really played like a superstar.

But I would honorably mention JB, Rob, Theis, and probably Gordon who was looking downright quick and limber before the ankle.

[keevsnick]

So honestly I'm not sure Smart is all that improved. Its not like his defense is better (he was already 1st team last year), his 3 point shooting is worse, maybe some slight improvement to passing.

Theis is improved, I think a lot of that is further recovery from injury tho. And he still isn't close to the level either of the Jays are at. If you are gonna list him you should list Hayward, who was FAR better this year than last.

Either Jaylen or Jayson I wouldn't argue too much with.

[Roy H.]

Tatum because he’s on the cusp of superstardom.  Lots of leaps though.

[Somebody]

Tatum. Leaping from the top 40 to the top 20 (or even top 15) is a jump that you don't often see.

[Tr1boy]

Tatum. Leaping from the top 40 to the top 20 (or even top 15) is a jump that you don't often see.

Sorry but how is this really a surprise?  Kyme dragged him down last season (also Brown)

[Tr1boy]

Wannamaker for me.  His passing/shooting juggling act has improved since the start of the season.  Solid D

I wouldn't mind if the Celts brought him back for the right cost

[BitterJim]

Gotta be Tatum, he went from "probably the best player on the team" to the cusp of being a superstar. Making leaps when you're already near the top is just a lot harder.

Theis arguably made a bigger leap from last season, but he's about where I expected him to be based on his rookie year.  I think a lot of that was just fully recovering from his meniscus tear, so I wouldn't really count it as "improvement" in the same way

[Surferdad]

I'm putting up a specific plug for Jaylen.  I always knew he would be a successful NBA player due to his all-around work ethic, athleticism and good mix of skills.  However, I did not see it coming, even after the contract extension, that he would be this good.  Unlike a lot of other excellent guys, he has exceeded expectations on both ends of the floor, IMO.

If we had "rank choice" polling, I give #2 to Brad Wanamaker.

[Neurotic Guy]

I'm putting up a specific plug for Jaylen.  I always knew he would be a successful NBA player due to his all-around work ethic, athleticism and good mix of skills.  However, I did not see it coming, even after the contract extension, that he would be this good.  Unlike a lot of other excellent guys, he has exceeded expectations on both ends of the floor, IMO.

If we had "rank choice" polling, I give #2 to Brad Wanamaker.

A few things regarding the Jays:

Did people expect this good, this soon?

Did people expect the clutch, the leadership, the winning attitude, the cool under pressure, not too high/ not too low emotional balance?

 I think even more surprising is that RWilliams and Romeo seem to have the mood/attitude balance.  Love Grant too but he is a bundle of energy — more emotional than the others.

[philr13]

Theis

He went from 3rd string last season to starter this year. He's been more than just solid. He's one of the pace-setters on the team.

[pearljammer10]

Probably Tatum just because of the load he is able to carry offensively. But I voted to give Theis the credit. Theis is the most underrated piece of our success. His defense, screen outs to open the lane, screen and role and touches at the top of the key get everything going for everybody. He is so [dang] smart. He deserves credit.

[Silas]

Probably Tatum just because of the load he is able to carry offensively. But I voted to give Theis the credit. Theis is the most underrated piece of our success. His defense, screen outs to open the lane, screen and role and touches at the top of the key get everything going for everybody. He is so [dang] smart. He deserves credit.

Well stated and I fully agree.  TP for you.

[CelticsElite]

Hayward. People forgetting how he looked last year.