Celtics Preview: Champs Brace For Challenge Of Repeat

Celtics Preview

A look at the Boston Celtics entering the 2024-25 season …

• Last Season: 64-18 (NBA champions)
• New Faces: Lonnie Walker IV, Baylor Scheierman
• Key Losses: Oshae Brissett, Svi Mykhailiuk

Overview

The Celtics are stepping into the new season with a hefty target on their backs after last year’s championship run. They not only racked up an impressive 64 wins but did so while boasting the highest net rating the league has seen in five years.

With their entire playoff rotation returning, it’s hard to argue against them being the favorites to repeat.

But here’s the thing: the NBA is a constantly shifting landscape. Since the Warriors’ back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, we’ve seen the difficulty of winning it all again. Talent is abundant, players are more willing than ever to switch teams, and the new collective bargaining agreement adds another layer of complexity for teams trying to keep their stars.

While the Celtics appear poised for another run, there are questions that linger. Al Horford, at 38 and a veteran of nearly $300 million in career earnings, is the only rotation player not locked in for next season.

The contracts are sorted for now, with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White both signed long-term, but how do the dynamics shift when personal accolades start creeping into the conversation? Can Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown keep their chemistry intact while also pursuing their individual goals?

Media day brought a confident response from Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla, who insist their players understand the challenges ahead. They’ve experienced the grind before, but with teams like the 76ers, Knicks, and Bucks improving their rosters, complacency could be a real pitfall.

Then there’s Kristaps Porziņgis, who starts the season sidelined. If he can get healthy and stay that way, he could elevate the Celtics to another level. But if injuries continue to plague him, questions will arise about whether too much is being asked of Horford or how the team adjusts with Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman stepping up.

The Celtics’ potential is clear, but potential doesn’t win championships. The banners hang in the TD Garden as reminders that the real work starts now. Can they handle the weight of expectations and the pressures of a repeat?

If all goes well, they could build a dynasty; if not, their window could close faster than anyone expects.

The clock is ticking, and it’s time for Boston to show whether they’re ready to chase another title or if the ghosts of past champions will haunt them this season.