Locked On Celtics – Mailbag Monday: Can Celtics STILL Score Without Tatum? | Who Is the Center of the FUTURE?

Host: John Karalis
Date: September 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Locked On Celtics is a classic “Mailbag Monday.” John Karalis dives into listener questions about the Boston Celtics’ upcoming season without Jayson Tatum, the potential impact of Anthony Simons on Joe Mazzulla’s rotation, and the search for the franchise’s next great center. The episode also features lighter mailbag topics, like favorite non-Celtics NBA moments and the best fictional bar to watch a game.

Throughout, Karalis provides deeper analysis, candid opinions, and humor rooted in his close connection to the Celtics and Boston sports.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Can the Celtics Maintain Their Scoring Without Jayson Tatum?

Timestamp: [03:05–09:40]

• Listener Question (Bill): Is it possible that the Celtics’ points per game won’t go down without Tatum, especially if the team plays at a faster pace?

• Karalis’ Analysis:

  • Tatum tends to "walk it up," and the team has historically slowed down, surveying the floor and seeking mismatches due to their star power.
  • Without Tatum, the team may be forced into a faster, more cut-heavy, motion offense.
  • “If the Celtics can average somewhere in the teens per game, 114, 115, 116, something in that range without Tatum, then Tatum can sit back and be like, okay, look, they don't need me to score. And I think he knows that.” — John Karalis [05:23]
  • If the offense runs well without him, Tatum—and the team—might recognize the benefit of pushing pace and sharing the load even when he returns.
  • Emphasis this year on forcing more turnovers and starting offense earlier in the shot clock, maximizing possessions.

• Key Insight: The need for offensive evolution isn’t just about replacing Tatum’s scoring, but shifting the entire team’s approach toward pace and movement, especially as the roster’s overall talent level changes.

2. Anthony Simons’ Role and Defensive Impact

Timestamp: [09:40–14:00]

• Listener Question (Matt): Given Anthony Simons’ known defensive struggles, how will that impact Joe Mazzulla’s lineups?

• Karalis’ Take:

  • Simons will be expected to step up defensively in Boston’s system, but “what that means, I don't know … Is he going to be passable? Is he going to be adequate? Is he going to be good?”
  • Realistically, Simons likely tops out at “decent at best” defensively, which forces the coaching staff into lineup adjustments.
  • Early months of the season—and preseason—will be all about “mixing and matching” to find the right player combinations to support Simons.
  • Mentions scenarios like pairing Simons with a rim protector (e.g., Neemias Queta) to compensate.
  • Quote: “The first few months of the season are going to be a lot of mixing and matching … So much is theoretical coming into the season.” — John Karalis [11:29]

• Key Insight: Simons’ acquisition will actively shape rotations and drive experimentation, with few assumptions being safe until chemistry is tested on the court.

3. Are the Celtics Entering a New Story Arc?

Timestamp: [14:45–18:36]

• Listener Question (Adam): Has Boston completed a “full story arc” from the Brad Stevens rebuild to now? Is a new chapter beginning?
• Karalis’ Answer:
  • Not quite: The original rebuild story (from Brad to “championship or bust”) isn’t truly over until the Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown core is broken up.
  • Offers a colorful personal analogy to illustrate the Celtics’ current status: "I'm 52. I'd put on a little bit of weight. This is ... the Celtics trying to get back into shape … This is kind of like the, you've hit your high, and then afterwards, you crash a little bit, and then you want to have one more go at it, one more, you know, go for glory."
  • Only when one (or both) of Tatum/Brown leave, does the “next story” start—“still telling the same story” for now.

4. Who is the Celtics’ Center of the Future?

Timestamp: [18:40–22:28]

• Listener Question (Leo): Who is the Celtic center of the future that can help them win Banner 19: Walker Kessler, Nic Claxton, or someone else?

• Karalis’ Analysis:

  • Unlikely to be a big-name, high-cost acquisition, given Boston’s financial situation (mentions recent investments in Porzingis and Horford).
  • More likely to be a “mid-tier center,” possibly a cap casualty from another contending or expensive team.
  • Throws out the idea of a trade for a player like Jarrett Allen, if he becomes too expensive, but thinks in general: “Don’t think big, think mid-tier and then we’ll go from there.”
  • Quote: “I don't think the Celtics are spending big money on a center ... Look at the teams that are expensive and maybe trying to move a big ... maybe look at Dallas … But I don't have any specific name.” — John Karalis [20:45]

• Additional Note: Al Horford has NOT retired but is expected to sign with the Warriors on a taxpayer mid-level deal.

5. Baylor Scheierman’s Potential Rotation Role

Timestamp: [25:05–26:25]

• Listener Question (Wyatt): Can Baylor Scheierman be a significant rotation player? Sixth or seventh man?
• Karalis’ Take:
  • Top 7 rotation spots likely set, but Scheierman is in line for the 8th spot and could make a “big leap.”
  • Believes Scheierman will earn 20–25 minutes per game if his shot becomes more consistent.
  • Has high ceiling “because he was behind last year,” making a leap plausible.
  • Reaffirmed enthusiasm: “Trust me, I think Scheierman is good, and I think that he's going to be ... in the rotation.” — John Karalis [25:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tatum & the offense:
  “If the Celtics offense is proven to be effective without Tatum walking the ball up… then I think there is a discussion to be had … Tatum can sit back and be like, okay, look, they don't need me to score.” — John Karalis [05:23]

• On Simons’ defense shaping lineups:
  “Joe has to make his lineups based on … certain combinations, like Luke Kornet was always playing with Jason Tatum. There's a reason for that.” — John Karalis [12:30]

• On the Celtics’ “story arc”:
  “This is the Celtics trying to get back into shape, right? … You kind of want to have one more go at it, one more, you know, go for glory.” — John Karalis [16:00]

Fun & Personal Mailbag Segment

Timestamp: [26:30–End]

Karalis fields lighter and humorous questions, rounding out the show:

• Favorite non-Celtics NBA moment:

  • Dr. J’s behind-the-backboard scoop layup; Sean Kemp’s devastating dunk on Alton Lister (“double point, like, bang bang. I got you. That was unbelievable.”)
  • “Sean Kemp's dunk on Alton Lister ... Holy crap. That was incredible.” — John Karalis [26:55]

• On calling games live:

  • Did color commentary for a Division 2/3 game in the late 90s, admits he wasn’t great back then, but “would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to do a game live” now.

• Best TV bar for watching a Celtics game:

  • Eliminates Poor Richard’s ("not even an option") and Drunken Clam. Moe’s and Flaming Moe’s from “The Simpsons” both have drawbacks, so Karalis goes with Cheers (“my favorite show of all time, and of course, a Boston Sports Bar”).
  • Reminisces about classic Celtics cameos and jokes (“Kevin McHale looks at the X ray and says that says adult male gorilla. Maybe it's Bill Laimbeer.”).

Important Timestamps

• [03:05] — How Celtics’ offense might change without Tatum
• [09:40] — Simons’ defense & lineup impact
• [14:45] — The Celtics “story arc” and when changing the roster means a new era
• [18:40] — Center of the future discussion
• [25:05] — Baylor Scheierman’s possible leap
• [26:30+] — Fun/personal mailbag segment

Episode Tone

The episode balances informed basketball analysis with a conversational, often witty tone. Karalis is frank but not harsh, gives clear rationales for his answers, mixes in personal stories, and engages deeply with listeners’ questions. The mailbag allows for both serious strategic breakdowns and nostalgic/fun asides.

Summary

This Mailbag Monday is quintessential Locked On Celtics: detailed, locally-informed Celtics talk on big roster and lineup questions, leavened with personality, pop culture references, and rich engagement with the fan community. Karalis covers how the team could adapt to missing Tatum, digs into potential rotations, ponders the future at center, and ends with lighthearted personal touchstones—a must-listen for any fan wanting both insight and community vibes.