Overall, I do believe that the Boston Celtics got better on Sunday. They should be recognized as a title contender and one of the best two teams in the Eastern Conference.
They now have four All-Star caliber players in their starting lineup in Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday. They now possess one of the best-starting fives in the NBA, if not THE best. I’ll be shocked if this team finishes below second in the East this season.
I see the Celtics meeting the Bucks in the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. I wouldn’t be shocked if Boston advanced to the Finals, but as of today I still pick the Bucks to beat the Celtics in seven games.
The lack of depth and interior toughness are what concern me the most about the Celtics. The Bucks have a deeper roster than the Celtics today. For example, after Giannis and Brook Lopez Milwaukee has Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez in the frontcourt, and the Celtics have Luke Kornet.
Joe Mazzulla can overcome that in a playoff series by playing Kristaps Porzingis at the five against Brook Lopez. Porzingis should beat the Bucks center off the dribble and pull Lopez away from the basket as a shooting threat. That would also allow Horford to come off the bench, creating depth.
The Celtics are also rumored to be high on Payton Prichard. He will be asked to assume a larger role now that Brogdon is gone. Can he handle a larger role for an entire season?
The biggest key to success this season for the Boston Celtics is health. That is how they overcome their lack of depth. Most coaches tighten their rotations come playoff time. That won’t mean a thing if Porzingis, Horford, Tatum, and/or Brown are out with injuries.
Either way, it should be another exciting season at TD Garden in Boston – one that could mean a return to the NBA Finals.