The Boston Celtics showed their seriousness to win the 2024 NBA championship with their off-season moves.
They dealt longtime captain Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies in a three-team deal that landed them Kristaps Porzingis.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens continued his overall by shipping Malcolm Brogdon and Robert Williams III for Jrue Holiday.
The arrivals of Porzingis and Holiday have made the Green Machine one of the heavy favorites to win the title.
Boston’s loss to the Indiana Pacers in the NBA In-Season Tournament, however, highlighted their weaknesses.
Porzingis couldn’t play due to a left calf strain. The Celtics’ bench was also badly outplayed by the Pacers’ role players. Boston’s second-stringers were outscored, 33-21 by Indy.
The Celtics’ starting unit may be the best in the NBA. Kristaps Porzingis’ health, however, could be a problem. Joe Mazzulla also needs a boost from the second unit.
The Boston Celtics are relying on Kristaps Porzingis to stay healthy to challenge for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
When he’s available, only a few in the NBA can provide better rim protection and outside shooting than the Latvian. Boston’s offense hums when he’s on the floor.
After Porzingis, the Celtics can count on Al Horford and Luke Kornet. “Big Al” still has something left in the tank but another center should be added to the mix.
Andre Drummond can provide the Celtics quality minutes as a backup big man. He will not be expected to shoot like Porzingis or Horford but he’s a nuisance inside the paint.
Drummond is a relentless rebounder and will have an impact in limited minutes.
