Jaylen Brown's message to Celtics fans is the reality check they needed

The Boston Celtics will not capture Banner 19 and a second straight NBA title this season. They won't become the first team since the 2019 Golden State Warriors to advance past the second round of the playoffs the year after lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy, either.

Instead, their 2024-25 campaign concluded with a 119-81 loss to the New York Knicks. Their Game 6 defeat at Madison Square Garden is the Celtics' third-most lopsided loss in a playoff contest, per StatMuse.

As the franchise and its fan base begin a time of uncertainty, ushered in by Jayson Tatum's Achilles tear in Game 4 at this same arena, the other half of Boston's star tandem delivered a message to the fan base.

"I know, Boston, it looks gloomy right now," said Jaylen Brown from the podium after Game 6. "Obviously, with JT being out and us kind of ending the year. But it's a lot to look forward to. I want the city to feel excited about that. This is not the end, so I'm looking forward to what's next."

Is this the end of an era?

Labeling this the end of an era for the Celtics feels too strong to this author. Yes, after bringing back 15 of 17 players from last year's title team, including those on two-way deals, major changes await.

However, trading Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday would not mark the end of an era. Even Al Horford signing elsewhere or retiring wouldn't. Banner 18 wouldn't hang in the TD Garden rafters without them. It's not just a championship trio, it's an admirable group that Boston fell in love with.

Especially Al Horford. He was the first free agent to sign a max contract with the Celtics. He mentored Tatum and Brown and has been with this team for much of a journey that included six Eastern Conference Finals trips in eight years, two appearances on the NBA's brightest stage, and a parade that over one million people attended.

No matter what's next for Al Horford, he'll always have a place in the heart of the region he's built an unbreakable bond with and with Celtics fans around the globe.

But if Boston moves forward with a nucleus of Brown, Tatum, and Derrick White, its window isn't shut.

This era of Celtics' basketball doesn't end until Tatum and Brown are no longer teaming. And this franchise will return to contention if the former returns healthy and the latter is standing alongside him.

Dr. Kevin Stone, an orthopedic surgeon at The Stone Clinic and a leading expert in Achilles tendon repair, explained to this author the advancements in treating a torn Achilles. He also provided insight into why "there's nothing about an Achilles rupture that should prevent him [Tatum] from coming back better than he was before."

So, while change is coming, players and draft capital that help Boston return to the NBA summit could arrive with it. Getting under the second apron, which should now be an offseason priority, would also help with future roster building.

Concern and uncertainty will hover over a proud champion who mustered one final haymaker before the Knicks' inevitable counterpunch, the future could be positive.

Payton Pritchard, coming off winning Sixth Man of the Year, a reward for the best season of his career, could slide into the starting lineup and reach new heights.

Luke Kornet, who starred in Game 5 against New York, an unrestricted free agent this summer, may sign a more lucrative contract elsewhere. However, he could also return as Boston's starting center. Like Pritchard, there's a chance for him to build on a career year without relocation required.

Most importantly, Tatum and Brown, who define this era in Celtics' basketball, could lead this franchise back to the Larry O'Brien Trophy -- perhaps even multiple times.

So, while it's easy to get lost in doom and gloom, now more than ever, it's important to remember the future is unwritten.