The Boston Celtics are coming off of a season in which they reached the Eastern Conference Finals, but fell short of reaching the NBA Finals. Heading into the 2023-24 season, the goal for the Boston Celtics is to make it back to the Finals. The front office chose to shake up the core and bolster the roster a little were they the right moves?
It may be impossible to know that until the 2023-24 campaign is in the books. The offseason grades that the Celtics received have been favorable. They addressed many of their needs.
Key Additions
Kristaps Porzingis
Perhaps the biggest trade of the offseason was the one for “The Unicorn” Porzingis. Boston wanted to get bigger and they did by bringing in a 7-3, 240-pound Center. Although his injury history is a bit worrisome, he did stay healthy for a majority of the season last year (65 games). He showed what kind of an impact he can truly bring to a team, the Celtics will be looking for him to make some impact alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Jrue Holiday
The Celtics hopped in and swooped Holiday with a package that no other team could offer. Adding a veteran guard who is a defensive stalwart in his own right. They addition of a veteran guard with the caliber of Jrue might push Derrick White to the bench.
Depth
While trading Porzingis and extending Brown might be the two big moves made, the Celtics did add some depth to their roster. They added guys like Svi Mykhailiuk, Oshae Brissett, Dalano Banton, Neeimas Queta and others.
Key Losses
The 6-4 guard was a key part of the Celtics roster. His defense at the guard position is unmatched throughout the league, that’s what Boston will miss the most. The 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year had been getting better offensively over the last couple seasons. Though, the most important thing he brought was leadership and defense.
Grant Williams
The 6-6 Power Forward has been improving year in Boston. Though, coming off the bench the Celtics didn’t ask much of him. On July 12, 2023 they did a sign-and-trade for some picks.
Robert Williams III
The Celtics bench might be hurting after losing both Robert and Grant Williams. That’s two big men who have been an integral piece of the Celtics roster over the last couple season.
Projected Roster
Statring Lineup: Jrue Holiday, Brown, Tatum, Porzingis, Al Horford
The Boston Celtics starting lineup in the 2023-24 season will be similar to that of last years. The difference is that Brown will slide up to two and Tatum to the three. Holiday will more than likely start at the Point with Horford holding down the fort down low.
Bench: White, Payton Pritchard, Wenyen Gabriel, Brissett, Lamar Stevens, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet, Banton and Queta
Overall, the bench looks deep on paper. Though it is a little guard heavy, everyone here brings something different. Pritchard and White would be starting-caliber guards anywhere else.
Season Outlook
Porzingis should propel the Celtics past their 57-25 finish from a season ago. They seem primed to improve with the roster that are entering the 2023-24 season with, barring any setbacks due to injury. It seems like a guarantee that Tatum will sign an extension at some point this season. I would expect the Celtics to be at the top of the conference once again with their eyes on the prize of an NBA Championship.
Want to get in contact? Contact us here.
Join the Fantom Sports Discord.
Pingback:Damian Lillard Traded to Milwaukee Bucks in Three-Team Deal
Pingback:Boston Celtics acquire Jrue Holiday in trade
Pingback:Houston Rockets 2023-24 Season Preview