I’m not going to say that the 2023-24 Boston Celtics solved modern basketball, but they were the type of team that makes you ask whether such a thing is possible. They started four perimeter players who could dribble, pass and shoot, plus a 7-foot-2 sniper who cashed 30-footers. All of those perimeter guys were elite defenders who stood between 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-8 and were comfortable switching up or down. The big sniper doubled as a rim protector who could capably execute multiple defensive coverages, as could his backup, a five-time All-Star going after his first title in Year 17.
Boston didn’t change the game by going after switchable defenders who can do everything, and they were far from the first team to take advantage of 5-out spacing. Everybody has been trying to build rosters like this for years, including the Celtics themselves, who came up short in the 2022 Finals and the 2023 playoffs. With Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in the picture, though, they had the league’s most stacked starting five and the lineup that best exemplified the modern ideal: Everyone’s a threat on offense, no one’s a liability on defense.
Now they’re back — except for Porzingis, who is recovering from offseason surgery — and they haven’t changed much. Jayson Tatum’s jumper looks better in the preseason. Baylor Scheierman could conceivably crack the rotation. If Boston doesn’t repeat, it won’t be because its formula is any less powerful, but because its competition is more so. In the East, the Sixers got Paul George, the Knicks got Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, the Magic got Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the Bucks and Cavs got healthy. There are a slew of worthy challengers in the West, too, including a team in OKC whose roster is constructed similarly. Can any of these teams solve the Celtics?
The state of play
Last year: Including the playoffs, the Celtics played 101 games and won 80 of them. They had a plus-11.7 point differential in the regular season (No. 1 on offense, No. 2 on defense), spaced the floor better than anybody ever has and manipulated matchups on both ends by trying some outright weird stuff. Holiday and Porzingis fit in exactly as anticipated, and they overcame Porzingis’ postseason injuries in part because their depth held up better than many expected, albeit mostly against opponents that were shorthanded themselves. Stevens won Executive of the Year, Tatum made the All-NBA First Team, White and Holiday made the All-Defensive Second Team and Brown won Finals MVP.
The team is currently up for sale, and there are concerns about the sustainability of the payroll. This uncertainty has the potential to impact the team’s performance on the court.
Celtics enthusiast: Embrace the challenge! Uncertainty is a common factor in the NBA, and the Celtics thrive on facing adversity. Players like Horford and Porzingis have proven their resilience in the face of doubts and injuries. Rather than seeing potential problems, the team views them as opportunities for growth. Adjusting to the absence of KP may disrupt the team’s spacing, but it will push players to elevate their game. There’s no need to be overly influenced by outside opinions or to dwell on past seasons. The focus is on moving forward and constantly improving.
Celtics skeptic: How far can the “challenge mindset” take the team? While it’s commendable to view setbacks as growth opportunities, it doesn’t guarantee immunity from the consequences of those challenges. It’s important to acknowledge and address shortcomings rather than dismissing them as blessings in disguise. Pretending that every problem is a secret advantage can be counterproductive and disrespectful to the players. The next man up may not always be able to match the skills of the injured player. It’s crucial to maintain a realistic outlook and address areas of improvement without sugarcoating the situation.
Celtics enthusiast: Let’s talk about the issues you see. The Celtics are not afraid to confront their problems head-on. They see challenges as a chance to showcase their problem-solving skills. While past seasons may have had their share of struggles, the focus is on continuous growth and improvement. Winning is not the only measure of success; it’s about maintaining a high standard of performance and execution. There will be bad days, but the goal is to stay composed and stay focused on the bigger picture.
Celtics skeptic: Despite the impressive stats, there are lingering doubts about the Celtics’ true dominance. They have yet to face formidable opponents like this season’s Sixers or Knicks, who pose unique challenges with their defensive lineup. While execution is crucial, talent also plays a significant role in determining success. The Celtics’ combination of spacing and defensive flexibility sets them apart from other contenders. While I may have reservations, I believe they have the potential to come out on top. It’s essential to strike a balance between optimism and realism when assessing the team’s chances.
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I believe that the best way to solve this problem is through open communication and collaboration.
My belief is that the most effective solution to this issue is through transparent communication and working together.