The Boston Celtics are tied with the LA Lakers for the most titles in NBA history with 17 illustrious seasons, yet the C’s are raring for the opportunity to raise their 18th championship banner into the rafters of the TD Garden as they have entered the 2023/24 NBA season with a roster comprised of star power and immense talent on both ends of the court.
The Celtics are not only one of the NBA’s most decorated franchises, but also one of the most popular and prestigious teams in all of US sports, which is due in large part to their aforementioned successful years that are scattered across history.
Boston has always been a basketball powerhouse since the days of Bill Russell and Red Auerbach and later through to their 1980s dynasty that featured Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish who would famously form the league’s most distinguished rivalry with the Showtime LA Lakers.
In the year’s following, the Celtics have only managed to claim one more Larry O’Brien championship which came way back in 2008 after the formation of the Celtics big three that featured an All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce.
While Boston has enjoyed some memorable playoff runs in the next resulting few seasons, they have since struggled to get over the hump and claim that long illusive 18th championship banner.
However, with the Celtics already possessing a roster that is scattered with All-NBA talent across the court, and an offseason that saw several marquee acquisitions, the C’s look primed to stage another deep playoff run that could result in a championship altering season.
Where do the Celtics rank amongst other contenders?
In the latest NBA playoff odds presented by the DraftKings sportsbook, the Celtics are already a lock to make the postseason and are currently the odds on favorite to claim the most regular season wins out of any other team in the league this season which currently stands at -650 outrights.
Regarding their predicted playoff finishes, Boston is the odds on favorite to return back to the Eastern Conference finals and claim victory at +130, with their NBA finals winners odds also ranked as the quintessential favorite at +265, with their closet competition being from the reigning world champions Denver Nuggets at +425 odds.
An overview of the Celtics roster:
There is plenty of outstanding talent and playoff experience that is featured throughout this Boston Celtics roster, with some recent signings also further propelling the C’s into firm championship contention.
The main focal point of head coach Joe Mazzulla’s roster is their All-NBA superstar SF Jayson Tatum who has blossomed into one the faces of the league and a soon-to-be Celtics great should he deliver a championship title to Massachusetts.
Tatum is one of the premier two-way threats in the league as he bolsters an offensive display unlike any other star player in the game today, as well as using his size and supreme athleticism to become a nightmare defensive matchup for any opposing team.
Flanked alongside their superstar SF, stands fellow All-Star Jaylen Brown at SG who has brought his own unique offensive skillset to a Celtics roster that has many dangerous threats.
Brown is an excellent shooter, a capable interior presence and an athletic phenomenon who was named to his third All-Star selection this season alongside his co-star Tatum who will be a starter in the acclaimed exhibition game.
While the Celtics do aim to top the league rankings when it comes to their offense, the team has always had a strong history residing around their defense which is still one of the best in the league today.
Former San Antonio Spurs guard Derrick White has quickly become a major fan favorite following his sublime performances on the defensive end last season which earned him an All-NBA Defensive team nod, as well as taking his offensive game to another level this season.
Former All-Star and team veteran Al Horford has still proven that he is not affected by the ravages of age during the twilight years of his established career as Horford has remained a tremendous presence on the defense end whilst also knocking down several crucial shots during the Celtics’ recent playoff runs.
Boston was also extremely active during the 2023 offseason as they landed former All-Stars in 7’3 forward Kristaps Porzingis from Washington and All-NBA defense guard Jrue Holiday who had previously helped guide the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship back in 2021.
Holiday and Porzingis have so far been tremendous additions to an already stacked Celtics roster that has now essentially become the league’s next big super team with major championship aspirations.
With such a star-studded lineup, the Celtics have also built a bench with plenty of depth and talent which is sure to step up on any given night should the starters find themselves in a tough scenario.
Heading into 2024, Boston is a surefire championship contender that has all the tools to take back the reigns as the most successful team in NBA history, with this current roster aiming to enter themselves into the conversation as one of the greatest teams in the always esteemed Celtics folklore.
