The Boston Celtics are the best in the league, but there are 29 other teams who can overtake them. It’s become more and harder to keep an NBA core capable of winning championships, even in the absence of a rigid salary constraint. Players have responded to the unwarranted emphasis on greatness placed by the daily news cycle by constantly looking for places that best fit their goals.
When you succeed in getting a ring, it’s only natural to want to take advantage of it. Following his crucial role in the Denver Nuggets’ 2023 championship, Bruce Brown departed the Mile-High City to accept a two-year/$45 million contract in free agency. Though he was essentially the same player, Brown signed a contract for about a fourth of the money the previous year. Even though he was, at worst, the team’s sixth option, his unquestionable talent and the impending salary cap hike made the high price tag justified because he helped raise the trophy.
Other teams will also take actions aimed at undermining the Celtics’ advantages. With the acquisition of Mikal Bridges, the New York Knicks—who many consider to be the toughest rivals in the Eastern Conference—have a group of four athletic two-way wings to contend with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Other teams will probably use it as a tactic to counteract their physical advantages. Boston may become a sitting duck as a result of their compliance while everything else changes around them.
This summer, the Boston Celtics need to take initiative.
It would have been considered a letdown to win only one Larry O’Brien trophy during this illustrious period in a community that takes great pleasure in its success. So how can the front office, including Brad Stevens, be on the attack this summer? The first step is to accept your status as champions. Ownership is prepared to pay for the second apron, but creative solutions are needed because new regulations restrict flexibility after the cap hits that point. Boston’s position in the league standings will make it a destination, despite what ESPN commentators would have the public believe. An experienced group will probably be more interested in joining a team with a track record of success than taking a chance on new players.
Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard don’t necessarily need to be first picks in the rotation, despite their clear advancement. Both struggle with consistency on the defensive end and are extremely streaky shooters. Better options could possibly become available in the future. The organization would not hesitate to bring fresh blood to the bench if they were prepared to let go of an emotional leader such as Marcus Smart. It’s not acceptable to back off. Not everything needs to be drastically altered, but finishing touches are essential.
