The Boston Celtics are heading into the 2023-24 NBA season with a roster poised for championship contention, bringing along the heightened expectations that come with it, according to a recent article by Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley. Despite reaching the Eastern Conference finals three out of the last four seasons and even making it to the NBA Finals in 2021-22, the team is still in pursuit of its elusive championship victory.
Buckley notes that this is a low-key high-pressure situation for the entire team, but also identifies a trio of Celtics players who will feel that burden more than the rest next season.
Buy Celtics TicketsLet’s take a look at each of the trio the B/R analyst identifies.
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Jaylen Brown
“Jaylen Brown shouldn’t have much to prove at this point of his career (…),” writes Buckley. “But an offseason boost to his bank account—the richest contract signed in league history—puts a unique spotlight around him. Being really good is no longer good enough.”
“He won’t justify the historic pay raise in a single season, but tightening his handle, upping his efficiency, and improving his defensive consistency would loudly hint he’ll wind up earning his keep.”
Kristaps Porzingis
“Boston’s primary objective this offseason was transforming this championship-hopeful roster into an actual champion,” observes the B/R analyst. “Kristaps Porziņģis was by far the most significant addition it made—at the cost of emotional leader and defensive dynamo, Marcus Smart.”
“If he shines as a third scorer, lights-out shooter, and paint protector, he could be the missing piece of Boston’s championship puzzle. But if his old injury issues resurface or he regresses as an on-ball scorer, the Celtics could discover they still haven’t cracked the code.”
Derrick Whiite
“For the Celtics to trade away their starting point guard and not bring in another guard of that caliber to replace him, clearly they’re comfortable with their incumbents picking up the slack,” notes Buckley. “Williams will be tasked with that challenge more than anyone.”
“White has talent, but he’s carrying more weight than he ever has in his career … Boston thinks he can handle it—it never would’ve done the Smart deal if it didn’t—but a big chunk of its championship plan hinges on being right in that belief.”
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