Blinksportsnews247
The Boston Celtics are over the second apron, leaving them minimal flexibility regarding roster acquisitions. The NBA’s reigning champions cannot aggregate salaries in a trade or take back more than they send out.
Fortunately for the Celtics, returning 13 of the 15 players on standard contracts with last season’s title team has them in excellent shape. There’s still a strong case Boston boasts the most talented roster in the Association.
However, this season has been a bumpier ride than many anticipated. While the Celtics are 33-15, the third-best record in the NBA, they’re 12-8 since Christmas. That includes a narrow escape in an overtime win against a Los Angeles Clippers team missing James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac. There was also a one-point victory vs. an eight-win New Orleans Pelicans opponent missing Brandon Ingram and Herbert Jones.
As open as Boston’s championship window appears, they know not to take it for granted. An impending change in ownership, the punitive nature of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, and the threat of injuries are potential impediments to the Celtics’ hopes of building a dynasty.
Furthermore, Victor Wembanyama is coming. The Oklahoma City Thunder have a young core ready to ascend, and there’s no telling how the NBA landscape will change in the coming years.
While Boston may look at its roster and limited options and stand pat between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline, bolstering its extended rotation could prove a difference-maker in the playoffs. It certainly did last postseason when Xavier Tillman Sr. buried a clutch corner three in the Celtics’ Game 3 win over the Dallas Mavericks. That victory gave them a commanding 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals.
Blinksportsnews247
