The Boston Celtics have probably the most skilled top-six in the NBA entering the 2023-24 season, but there is a notable absence in the locker room.

The new-look C’s lack a vocal leadership presence without Marcus Smart. While they still boast one of the league’s greatest duos in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the duo usually lets their play speak for itself. Off the court, the two All-Stars aren’t known for speaking up for their teammates.

That, according to Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine, needs to alter for the Jays to get over the hump and deliver the fabled Banner 18 to Boston.

“I want them to be more playmakers, I want them to get people around them better, I want them in the toughest of moments to take this team and put them on their back, and then I also want them to empower other guys,” Scalabrine said in an interview with Celtics PostUp. “As a result, they’re under a lot of pressure.”

“Last but not least, they must be the team’s leaders.” That is how you triumph. Your finest players are your leaders and the individuals who get you through those difficult situations, those difficult nights when your team lacks enthusiasm, and we witnessed them last year. The Jays are the ones who will get you through those terrible evenings because they are so talented.

Brown has accepted and embraced the suggestion that he be more vocal. Our Celtics insider Chris Forsberg feels that Tatum and Brown may improve in that area, but believes that Tatum’s ability to lift his team during difficult times will be what separates Boston from the pack.

“They could always be more vocal, but everyone has to be true to themselves,” Forsberg said me. “Not everyone is the Marcus Smart type, where you’re simply loud and raucous in the locker room. It could just be a case of setting a good example.

“It all comes back to what Scal said.” There were far too many instances, particularly in the playoffs, when things went awry. Someone is going to catch you. That, in my opinion, falls back on Tatum. He’s the best player, and he’ll be in the running for MVP. I want him to be able to be the best player on the court at all times. He’s done everything else humanly imaginable, and he’s in that conversation; there’s just another level, another step that you need to take, and that’s usually what separates the teams that win a championship from the ones that are knocking on the door.”

Former C’s guard Eddie House wants the Jays to set a good example for their teammates.

“It’s off the court,” he explained. “How is your work ethic off the court?” Do you hold men accountable? Is everyone in the weight room when they should be? Are they getting their additional sprints when they should? Are we closing up defensively when we should be opening up?

“And it’s by example, but it’s also like, how am I going to make you better when we’re on the court?” … I believe that the most important function is that of a leader, and there are many different types of leaders. “Can you improve other players, and do you hold these guys accountable?”

The acquisitions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday in the offseason will make Tatum and Brown’s jobs on the floor simpler. Those additions have helped Boston become the 2024 NBA championship favorite, albeit the team will face difficulties at some point during the season. Who will guide them through it is the question.

The Celtics’ 2023-24 season kicks off against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. All of the action can be found on NBC Sports Boston, beginning with Celtics Pregame Live at 6 p.m. ET. The game will begin at 7 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.