Celtics' biggest winner & loser have emerged 1 month into Jayson Tatum's return

There was bound to be a beneficiary and casualty from Tatum's return.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented Celtics basketball game, with the players' forms abstracted into angular, colorful shapes and the court and ball also broken down into overlapping planes.Tatum's return has sparked a shift in the Celtics' lineup, with some players thriving and others struggling to adapt.Today in Milwaukee

The Boston Celtics have seen both positive and negative impacts since the return of star player Jayson Tatum a month ago. Rookie center Neemias Queta has emerged as the biggest beneficiary, putting up impressive stat lines and showing strong chemistry with Tatum. Meanwhile, second-year guard Hugo Gonzalez has struggled, seeing his playing time and production decline with Tatum back in the lineup.

Why it matters

Tatum's return was expected to boost the Celtics, but the uneven impact on different players highlights the challenges of reintegrating a star player and finding the right rotations and chemistry. How the Celtics manage these dynamics could be crucial to their championship aspirations.

The details

In the month since Tatum's return, Queta has thrived, averaging 17.5 points, 9 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 2.3 assists per game over the Celtics' last four wins. His chemistry with Tatum has been evident, with the duo connecting for 19 assists in 13 games. In contrast, Gonzalez has struggled, with the Celtics being outscored by 21.3 points per 100 possessions when he's on the floor since Tatum's return, a stark decline from his strong early-season numbers.

  • Tatum made his return to the Celtics lineup on March 6, 2026.
  • Over the Celtics' last four consecutive wins, Queta has put up impressive stat lines.

The players

Neemias Queta

A rookie center for the Boston Celtics who has emerged as a key contributor since Jayson Tatum's return, putting up strong stat lines and showing strong chemistry with Tatum.

Hugo Gonzalez

A second-year guard for the Boston Celtics who has struggled since Tatum's return, seeing his playing time and production decline.

Jayson Tatum

The star forward for the Boston Celtics who made a quick return to the lineup after an injury, and whose presence has had both positive and negative impacts on his teammates.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Tatum x Queta combo is working nicely so far. It's been Tatum's most frequent connection with 19 assists in 13 games.”

— Pull up shoot

“Small sample. But looking very good on both ends.”

— Pull up shoot

What’s next

If the Celtics can get the Gonzalez production pre-Tatum's return with Tatum, the rest of the NBA should be terrified.

The takeaway

Tatum's return has had a mixed impact on the Celtics, boosting some players like Queta while creating challenges for others like Gonzalez. Managing these dynamics will be crucial as the Celtics aim to maximize their championship potential with Tatum back in the lineup.