Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics aren’t exactly out to the amazing start that many hoped for. While 7-5 is by no means terrible, it’s a far cry from last year’s 16-2 start even having missed multiple players due to injury. And now, with everyone back, the expectations for a Finals push has come with them.

With all due respect to Brad Stevens’ (well-deserved) reputation as a great coach, I think we ought to pump the brakes a bit, as he has to at least win a title before getting crowned as the best coach in the league over other names like Pop and Kerr. After all, as good as his teams have ranked on defense, last year’s Celtics ranked 18th in offense and are 24th so far this year. Yet obviously, last year’s team was having much more overall success to this point.

So what’s changed since then?

I think the biggest factor has been the contrast in Jayson Tatum’s play. Tatum, who was well-known as a huge contributor for the 55 win Celtics that made the ECF, averaged 14 and 5 on 48/43/83. But this year, he seems to be going through a sophomore slump.