Keep in mind that Friends episode the place Joey insists his concoction is scrumptious? “What’s to not like?” he says. “Custard? Good. Jam? Good. Meat? Good.” Ross appears at him in disbelief and insists it tastes like toes.
Generally, NBA groups style loads like toes (see: 76ers, Clippers, Suns, and many others.). The attractive half about this Celtics roster is that the items match collectively swimmingly and convey out the perfect in each other.
The Worcestershire sauce (Jaylen Brown) enhances the steak (Jayson Tatum). The mashed potatoes (Kristaps Porzingis) complement the carrots (Al Horford). The baguette (Derrick White) enhances the Pinot Grigio (Jrue Vacation).
Everybody who watched this workforce all year long feels as if Brad Stevens is a wizard. There’s no approach a prime six this pleasant ought to exist. It virtually appears unfair.
However it does exist. The Celtics truly received the championship. That is actuality.
So, what did Stevens do? As an alternative of attempting to tinker with perfection, he realized he discovered it and adopted a “much less is extra” mindset.
After years of fiddling and finagling, Stevens has assembled the right roster. He is aware of it, and he has no want to tweak it. This offseason has proven that the Celtics plan to maintain this core collectively so long as they presumably can.
And why wouldn’t they? Have a look at all of the NBA dynasties in current reminiscence. The Spurs stored Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili collectively. The Warmth did the identical with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The Warriors rode Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Inexperienced to 4 rings.
The Celtics have a main window to win no less than two, if not three championships. Tatum and Brown are coming into their primes. Porzingis and Horford are battle examined. Vacation and White are like peanut butter and jelly. Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser have silenced the doubters. The Keep Prepared guys take satisfaction of their position.
If it ain’t broke, don’t repair it.
Now, having mentioned all that, let’s make one factor abundantly clear: The Celtics are the favorites to win all of it subsequent yr. They’ve the perfect roster within the NBA. They might very properly do it. However, it completely received’t be straightforward.
No NBA workforce has repeated because the Warriors in 2017 and 2018. No defending champion has made it previous the second spherical because the Warriors in 2019.
When the Bucks received in 2021, everybody declared Giannis Antetokounmpo the face of the league and assumed they’d have a shot at one other. When the Nuggets received in 2023, everybody declared Nikola Jokic the brand new face of the league and assumed they’d have a shot at one other.
Now, with Tatum on the verge of changing into the latest face of the league, and Brown proper beside him, the Celtics have an opportunity at historical past. However the champion will get each workforce’s finest. Have a look at the arms race within the East alone. Mikal Bridges to the Knicks. Paul George to the 76ers. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Magic.
Each workforce is gunning for the Celtics. Not simply that, however they’re attempting to match up with the Celtics. You suppose the Knicks acquired Bridges as a result of he went to Villanova? Effectively, it doesn’t harm, however they acquired him as a result of he’s a wing who has a greater probability at neutralizing Tatum and Brown than most.
Similar with the 76ers and George. The Magic acquired Caldwell-Pope as a result of he has two rings. It’s like that Jokic video, the place he’s having the time of his life and everybody else is coaching round him. The Celtics are within the honeymoon part, they usually’ve earned it, however now it’s time to snap again to actuality.
Savor that feeling, and use it as a blueprint, however don’t get complacent. Hold the mentality of the hunter, despite the fact that they’re now the hunted. Keep away from falling for the lure.
Will this group merely be a second in historical past just like the 2008 workforce, or will these Celtics capitalize on what’s forward of them and seize one other?
Solely time will inform. This workforce has every part it wants. The search to repeat begins now.
