The Boston Celtics elected to take a season star forward Jayson Tatum would be out much or all of the campaign to rehab a torn Achilles tendon to retool the roster, get younger, cheaper, out of the second apron and towards dodging the repeater tax, knowing the team would part ways with much of the core they won a title with in 2024. But then something weird happened -- the Celtics kept winning games even with players like Jrue Holiday, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet playing for other teams.

New additions like Josh Minott and Hugo Gonzalez exceeded expectations, and players like Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh have taken significant leaps with what they can do on the court, while vets like Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard are flourishing in larger roles. Did we mention Tatum may return sooner than may be expected? How does this growth change the future of the Celtics? Should they make a push for a title run now in light of all the above? How important is it to make sure the roster gets under the tax, and how should they approach the trade deadline? Boston's surprise success is to be praised, but with it come some hard decisions.

To that end, the hosts of "Havlicek Stole the Pod" linked up with CBS Sports analyst Sam Quinn to talk about the season so far for Boston, and how it may impact a series of interlinked decisions that were already complicated before the Celtics started looking so good. Tune in to hear our takes on what might come next -- and what we think the front office ought to do.

Outro: Whistle by Benjamin Banger - https://tiny.ee/Jk4U or BenJaminBanger.com

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