The Boston Celtics will be facing some stiff competition as they look to defend their NBA championship next season. The Eastern Conference has gotten tougher at the top following the Philadelphia 76ers’ addition of Paul George and the New York Knicks’ acquisition of Mikal Bridges. The Milwaukee Bucks can’t be ignored, either.
During a recent appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey noted how his team will be coming for Boston’s championship title next season. Morey likely believes that George’s presence within the Sixers rotation has elevated them into contender status and put them on the same level as Joe Mazzulla’s Celtics.
“Obviously, you have to give the Celtics their credit,” Morey said. “They won the title. They’re an excellent team. They’ve brought everybody back. They’re the target, but we don’t feel like we give up anything to them. We are going to be coming to take the title away from them.”
Philadelphia will undoubtedly be relying on the long-term health of Joel Embiid and George; two players who have struggled with injury issues over the past few years. On the flip side, Boston will be without Kristaps Porzingis for the opening months of the season, as he recovers from surgery.
Celtics Lab 274: Evaluating Sam Hauser's extension, Team USA's struggles with Will Weir https://t.co/MCzVVyJ1uQ pic.twitter.com/MA4z8f2H30
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) July 23, 2024
Retaining their championship will undoubtedly be a tall order for the Celtics. However, they have the depth, elite talent and experience to be cited as favorites for the upcoming season, and will undoubtedly welcome all challengers along the way.
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