As the Boston Celtics’ season tips off tonight, there are tons of expectations and excitement surrounding the team. Now is the perfect time to review some burning questions about their season. The answers to these questions are something to follow throughout the season and will influence the Celtics’ success.
4 Burning Questions Ahead of the Boston Celtics’ Season
Will the Celtics’ Big Man Depth Be Enough?
After trading Robert Williams to acquire Jrue Holiday, the Celtics have a noticeable hole in their big-man depth. The newly acquired Kristaps Porzingis is an All-Star-level player but has significant injury concerns. At the same time, Al Horford is 37 years old and looking for a lesser role. As a result, Boston will depend on Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta for quality bench minutes. Alternatively, the Celtics could go with more small-ball lineups off the bench. This bench depth and interior presence will be significant for the Celtics if they face off against the super-sized Milwaukee Bucks. Ultimately, Porzingis’ health and figuring out big rotation will be central to Boston’s success.
Which New Celtic Will Be More Impactful: Kristaps Porzingis or Jrue Holiday?
The Celtics’ two major offseason acquisitions, Porzingis and Holiday, project to fit like a glove next to their established core, especially co-stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Furthermore, the two players serve vital roles for the Celtics. Porzingis helps Boston double down on their elite three-point shooting ability while giving them a switchable rim protector on defense. Holiday provides the Celtics with a much-needed steady ball-handler and playmaker. He also further strengthens the Celtics’ elite perimeter defense. However, it’s unclear which player will be more impactful and integral to Boston’s success. While I believe Porzingis filled more of a need, Holiday’s value will shine more. Holiday is the more consistent and proven player with a desired skill set next to the Celtics’ core. As a result, I view him as a safer bet to have a bigger impact this season.
Will Joe Mazzulla Step Up?
Joe Mazzulla struggled during his first year as a head coach. Questionable rotations, timeout management, out-of-bounds plays, and late-game collapses were all a part of Mazzulla’s challenges. Mazzulla was put in an extremely difficult situation last season, getting the job just days before training camp began. However, with a year of experience under his belt and an improved assistant coaching staff, excuses are running out for Mazzulla. During the offseason, the Celtics brought in coveted assistants such as Sam Cassell and Charles Lee. Improving Mazzulla’s staff makes life easier for him as a result. Furthermore, the Celtics traded Marcus Smart and Grant Williams, two players Mazzulla clashed with. The Celtics have lofty expectations this year. As a result, more pressure is placed on Mazzulla to lead Boston to these high heights and prove that he is a high-level NBA coach.
Will the Offseason Additions Help Bring Boston Banner 18?
These questions are all significant. However, nothing is more important to the Celtics this season than winning a championship. A title determines if this season was successful or not for the Celtics. Boston has long been chasing banner 18, and they have been on the brink of a championship for years. This includes a Finals appearance and four Conference Finals since Tatum was drafted in 2017. As a result, the Celtics core has developed the playoff experience and scars necessary to win a championship.
Additionally, acquiring Holiday and Porzingis gives the Celtics their most talented roster yet. This improved team certainly gives the Celtics the best chance at winning the elusive 18th banner. Ultimately, the Celtics must capitalize on this incredible talent and win a title.
