Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
NBA analyst explained why he’s ‘more excited to watch the Celtics this year than last year’
"Is that crazy to say?"
The Celtics have gotten used to contending and winning in recent years. After losing in the finals in 2022, they were able to finish the job two years later, beating the Mavericks for an 18th championship.
Along with those two postseason runs, they have been a staple in and around the top of the Eastern Conference.
This year could be a different look for Boston though, with Jayson Tatum being out at least part of the year, and the loss of multiple pieces from the title-winning team.
Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals last year, an injury that people expected to sideline him for all of this season. His recovery is ahead of schedule though, and he has stated that he is hopeful to return by the end of the year.
Advertisement:
Besides Tatum, the Celtics also lost Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford, all of whom played key roles in their 2024 title run.
While the Porzingis trade was essentially a cost-saving move, Boston gained Portland guard Anfernee Simons in return for Jrue Holiday, who looks to be a promising scorer.
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports had NBA analyst and podcaster Kenny Beecham on “The Kevin O’Connor Show” Monday, where they discussed the mystery behind Boston this season.
Not knowing what Boston will look like this season could provide a counterintuitive appeal.
“I’m more excited to watch the Celtics this year than last year, coming off a championship,” Beecham told O’Connor. “Is that crazy to say?”
Advertisement:
Beecham isn’t a Celtics fan himself, but is representative of NBA fans in general. With Boston being an easy team to predict to make the playoffs the last couple of years, people are excited to see whether their consistency can carry on.
While expectations are lower than in previous years, it could be much worse.
The Celtics’ win line is set at 45.5, which is impressive with Tatum not guaranteed to play this season.
“I think it’s a testament to some of these players they have on the roster, Anfernee Simons being one of them,” O’Connor stated. “I cannot wait to see Simons playing [Joe] Mazzulla Ball.”
The new addition to the Celtics has shown to be an offensive spark in his last few years in Portland, only averaging under 40% shooting from the field once in his career.
A lethal shooter, Mazzulla’s love for the three-point shot could fit his style.
“So far in preseason, over 60% of his shot attempts have come from three-point range,” O’Connor continued. “His last game on Sunday, he looked like [Damian Lillard]. He just did.”
All eyes will be on whether this continues into the regular season, as well as if the Celtics have enough talent to be a playoff team even without Tatum.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com