Best of the Cetics on WEEI: Why the Celtics are 'softish' after an embarrassing Game 7 loss

The WEEI Afternoons podcast delivers a scathing post-mortem on the Boston Celtics' historic collapse in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, where they blew a 3-1 series lead to the Philadelphia 76ers. Hosts Jones and Keith dissect the fallout, focusing heavily on Jason Tatum’s decision to sit out the game despite claiming he could have played in Round 2. The discussion spirals into a broader critique of Tatum’s leadership, with many calling him 'softish'—not weak, but lacking the fire and emotional investment expected of a franchise cornerstone. The hosts debate whether his absence was due to legitimate medical concerns or a calculated risk to protect his long-term health, with some suggesting he was protecting his legacy from a poor performance. Jalen Brown’s post-game Twitch stream, where he blamed referees and flopping, is also heavily criticized as unprofessional and self-serving. The episode further examines the team’s organizational failures, including Joe Mazzulla’s questionable coaching decisions—especially the bizarre starting lineup—and the disastrous trade for Serge Ibaka, which failed to deliver in the postseason. The hosts lament a team that underperformed when it mattered most, despite having elite talent, and question whether the Celtics are built for sustained championship contention or are destined to be a 'gap year' team.