The Boston Celtics are a wagon. Where have we heard that before? Last year was a big disappointment for the Celtics, they went from being in a position of complete strength at the beginning of last season that the Celtics faithful started to get a little carried away as to how far they could actually go. Denver was never going to lose to that Celtics squad of last season as the depth of talent just wasn’t there.
This season, however, the roster is arguably one of the strongest, if not – the strongest in the league. Denver fans are probably laughing at me for writing that but for me, if this starting 5 can stay healthy (which is a BIG IF) then I honestly don’t see anyone in the East being a match for the green and white this year. The only real match I can see being trouble for the Celts is the winners of last year. Jokic is still doing his thing and will probably win MVP this year for sure (if JT has something to say about it) and the Nuggets themselves look even stronger than last year.
Jayson Tatum is one of the leagues many superstars and for the Celtics, he is undoubtably their most important asset. He currently leads the team in points scored and rebounds, which to me is an insane stat when you consider we have a 7’2 Latvian unicorn roaming around the rim. JT is definitely going to be in the MVP conversation for sure, but I think the most important factor for him this year will be finally bring Boston a chip for the first time since the Paul Pierce KG era in 2008.
There are remnants to that championship for sure. Jrue Holiday has shades of Rajon Rondo about him, speaking of whom is currently leading the assists charts for the Celtics at the moment. There was something gritty about that 2008 roster but this roster seems to be more polished and machine like. Porzingis has been a fantastic addition to this roster and seems to have finally found a home for himself in Boston. He’s a versatile big that can play any role asked of him and is a great compliment to Big Al, who himself is a versatile big (although not as tall) and is similar in style to Porzingas.
Since their last loss to Philly a week ago the Celtics are on a 5-game heater and don’t look like slowing down anytime soon. The next big test will be against Milwaukee on the 22nd of this month and a possible foreshadowing of an Eastern conference finals matchup. However, all the signs point in a good direction for Boston and if JB and JT can keep their dangerous duo status and keep healthy for the season then I can see the glory finally return to Boston. The city is in desperate need of another dynasty since the New England Patriots seem to be looking into the void of mediocrity. Maybe dynasty is too strong a word, but if the Celtics can be crowned champions this year, then there will be many asking how far this team can go?
Fail however and there will be other questions asked. The biggest question of all will be Jayson Tatum and his contract situation. Perhaps Boston losing again this year may make the superstar look to greener pastures? But for now, things are looking up for the Celtics, could this be the team to make Jokic look mortal and hamper the Nuggets dominance? Or will they just be another pretender to the throne? Questions like this make me realise why we love the NBA to be fair.
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