That optimism carried across the summer of 2024 and into the new season. The Celtics did not have to scramble for big trades or roster adjustments: if it‘s not broken, why fix it? And this was a machine that worked very well. As you might expect, the Celtics started the season as the red-hot favorites for the Eastern Conference in the NBA Playoffs odds, and the odds of returning to the NBA Finals were seen as almost a certainty.
Momentum skidded to a halt.
Of course, we know how things panned out. A 4-2 defeat to the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals was almost overshadowed by a serious injury to the Celtics‘ franchise player, Jayson Tatum. Yet, the manner of the defeat – the Celtics never really looked like their old selves both before and after the Tatum injury – has quickly led to soul searching. Suddenly, players who offer veteran experience are too old; great players on outstanding contracts are eating up the budget. Joe Mazzulla has gone from being a hero to being questioned about his future. Now fans are speculating about rebuilding, with many hoping that Giannis Antetokounmpo will ride into town to save the day.
Indeed, it is not uncommon for sports teams to come crashing down to earth after a period of success. That‘s the cycle of the industry. Indeed, we would compare the Celtics and another sports club, Manchester City. The English Premier League team was the reigning champion of the 2023/24 season – its 4th title in succession – and started the most recent campaign with the same kind of reputation as the Celtics. Yet, it suddenly fell apart in the fall, almost inexplicably. Yet, there was similar soul–searching, questioning the roles of players who had worked so harmoniously together just months previously.
Fans will hope for action.
Man City acted quickly, overhauling its squad with young players and saying goodbye to some players who had built a period of success for the club. Boston fans hope that its management will also act decisively. However, that is easier said than done, and even if financial constraints are not a worry, there is no guarantee ripping apart the team and starting again will deliver success. That goes for both Man City and the Celtics.
Nonetheless, it is abundantly clear that the Celtics went from a team that was the envy of the NBA to a team with some huge decisions to make. It feels like a pivotal summer, where the management must double down (bringing in Giannis, for instance), build for the future (like they did at the end of the Kevin Garnett era), or stick with what they have. The last is still a valid option, despite how fans feel, because we should not forget that, despite the season’s disappointments, the Celtics remain an excellent Playoff-caliber team.
