A salute to the best Celtics in the Bubble

It would be an understatement to say that Andover native and Celtics fan Stephen Stapinski was surprised at how well-run the NBA Bubble has been and how awesome the NBA Playoffs have been.

That said, Stephen had expected his Celtics to be successful in the East, but he also knew that they were up against a solid competition with the likes of the favored Milwaukee Bucks, the surprising Miami Heat, and the defending champions, the Toronto Raptors. The Celtics, however, have risen to the occasion and have come so far, even after eventually falling to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Here were the three best Celtics in the Bubble, according to Stephen Stapinski.

1. Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum was nothing short of stellar in the Bubble. Sure, he had a few off games, but he carried the team for most of the playoffs with his offensive prowess and underrated defense.

2. Marcus Smart

Speaking of defense, Marcus Smart always gives more than 100% each game. The heart and soul of the squad, Smart was arguably the best player in the grueling series against the Raptors.

3. Jaylen Brown

Like Tatum, Jaylen Brown is a young, sensational talent. He's aggressive, athletic, and tough. And also, like Tatum, Brown's defense is hugely overlooked, just ask Pascal Siakam.