The Boston Celtics are gearing up for the 2023-24 NBA season with high hopes of finally realizing their championship potential under head coach Joe Mazzulla. After several near misses in recent seasons, the team underwent a significant shake-up during the summer, parting ways with veteran point guard Marcus Smart and acquiring star big man Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade with the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies.
While the exact outcome of the season ahead remains uncertain, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley put together three bold predictions for the Celtics in the upcoming campaign.
Buy Celtics TicketsLet’s see just how spicy they are, and check the original for his fine-grained detail.
"Better spacing & a reliable kickout option in Kristaps Porzingis, that should really go a long way for Boston"
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Malcolm Brogdon will be dealt
“The Celtics had reasons for feeling they could get by without Brogdon—his availability issues presumably among them—and they could still reach the same conclusion, especially if they think Payton Pritchard and/or Dalano Banton can hold down rotation roles,” suggests Buckley.
“If Boston is content with its non-Brogdon options in the backcourt, it could make a lot of sense to trade the 30-year-old for wing depth.”
The Celtics have three All-NBA players
“The wild card in this prediction is Porziņģis, who has never made an All-NBA team and only once earned an All-Star nod,” suggests the B/R analyst. “But last season gave hope he might be putting his old injury problems behind him while also growing his game as a passer, off-the-dribble scorer, and defender.”
“Give him a similar season (23.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 3s, and 1.5 blocks) with actual stakes attached to it, and that could be enough to earn his first All-NBA honor.”
The NBA's 2024 Most Valuable Player is Jayson Tatum
“Tatum was all-caps AWESOME last season, but that may not have been his peak,” writes Buckley. “Sure, there aren’t a lot of ways to improve upon per-game contributions of 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, but this will only be his age-25 season. It’s hard to imagine he is incapable of additional improvements.”
“Make those small—but significant—improvements, add a Celtics’ win total in the neighborhood of 60, and you have the recipe for an MVP season for Tatum.”
