This year, the Celtics were one win away from becoming the first team ever to come back from a 3-0 deficit, but they ultimately fell short after a cold shooting night in Game 7. In response, Celtics GM Brad Stevens has taken aggressive action this summer with a big trade that has completely shaken the roster.
The deal, which had the Celtics give up Marcus Smart, puts sharpshooting big man Kristaps Porzingis in a Celtics jersey and Stephen A. Smith says it could be the final piece they need to win it all.
“I think it makes them title favorites. I’m looking at every team in the NBA and I dare somebody to tell me, who can the Boston Celtics not beat? I love Marcus Smart and I’m gonna miss him, it’s a tremendous loss for them. But statistically speaking, some people say there was some slippage. I’m looking at Porzingis — their best defending field goal percentage in the NBA, I’m thinking about that. I’m thinking about the fact that he’s 7’3″ and can step away from the basket and he can shoot a j, if not a three. When I’m thinking about Al Horford and Robert Williams III, you need an additional big body.”
Porzingis has struggled to stay healthy in his career, but the 1x All-Star is coming off one of his best seasons yet. During the 2022-23 campaign, he averaged 23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on 49% shooting. Plug that into a Celtics offense that was already one of the best, and you’ve got a recipe for success in the NBA.
The End Of An Era In Boston
With Marcus Smart officially gone now, it will fall on Jayson Tatum to step up more as a leader for the Celtics both on and off the court. And when he and Jaylen are struggling or not in the game, Kristaps can help to lighten the load and give the Cs another option on offense.
For now, it’s still far too early to make any conclusions on next season but the Cs don’t appear to be messing around and they may still have more moves to make. There is no longer any doubt that the Celtics intend to compete for the title next year after coming so close two years in a row.
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