NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Boston Celtics are top-heavy. Meaning, they have a great starting 5 but beyond that, they are thin. Is that enough to win a championship? Getting Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday will boost any team’s odds but can these Celtics become a team before it’s too late?
As the old saying goes, it’s only one basketball. This is what the Celtics must figure out. So far, they have done a great job, but there are still stretches where Jayson Tatum has to show he’s Tatum and become a one-man wrecking crew. But then there are times when the ball movement is so precise that you forget this is a team with 4 former All-Stars.
The chemistry between Tatum and Jalen Brown has been forged over the course of their time in Celtic Green. What’s needed now is finding the perfect blend of selfish and unselfish when it comes to incorporating Holiday and Porzingis.
If the Boston Celtics can find a balance, they have a legit shot. If not, then this was all for nothing. For them to win, someone or someone’s will have to sacrifice. While the finger-pointing will be directed at Tatum and Brown, the truth is, it’s everyone on the roster.
Holiday has always understood the meaning behind this. He’s won a ring with the Milwaukee Bucks while playing 3rd fiddle to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Porzingis has never been in this situation before but after years of injuries, criticism, and playing on bad teams, he should be willing to give up whatever it takes to win.
Their 5th starter is Derrick White and with Marcus Smart now with the Memphis Grizzlies, White becomes that defensive glue guy that Smart was. But is his voice loud enough to be the only one being heard on a unit full of shooters? As far as the bench goes, this is not the same unit from prior seasons. Can they be trusted?
Can The Boston Celtics Win A Championship
The Boston Celtics could be extremely dangerous once the playoffs begin and rotations are set to at least 8 players. If Porzingis can stay healthy during that time, there is not another starting 5 in the NBA who will be able to contend with their firepower.
Now, trust on the defensive end will be key, and as much as people think they lost with Smart’s departure, they picked up another good contributor in Holiday. This early, the Celtics have figured things out it seems. They are currently ranked 5th in points scored, and 4th in points against. To further their ball movement argument, there are 4 players averaging 11+ shots per game, and White, the 5th starter is right behind them with 9. The ball is moving to some degree.
Besides the shots, the Celtics are leading the league in rebounding, 17th in assists, and 2nd in 3-pointers attempted. Where I would like for them to improve is driving the ball to the basket and getting contact. They are currently sitting 19th in Free Throws Attempted. While it’s still early, having each of their starting unit in double-figure scoring is something to build off of.
With the Boston Celtics always in contention, they have the experience, now it just boils down to selfishness. Take the numbers and throw them out the window come playoff time. It’s all about winning. While Tatum and Brown can both hoist up 20 shots per game, that is no longer needed. In order to win the ball must be shared. It’s as simple as that.
Holiday knows what it takes to win and with vets like Al Horford still lingering around, coupled with the success and failures the Boston Celtics have had the last two seasons, they should have a firm grasp of what it takes to hoist that trophy. It’s now or never for them. They have the pieces they were missing the last two seasons. But which of these players will be willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the team to achieve that ultimate goal?
