The Boston Celtics are heading into the 2024-25 season with sky-high expectations after claiming their 18th NBA championship last season. With their core intact and some savvy offseason moves, the Celtics look ready to defend their title. As of today, nearly the entire roster from last year’s championship team is back, including stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who are both coming off remarkable seasons. The team also managed to fill their final roster spot, maintaining their depth and versatility. Here are five reasons why the Celtics are the team to beat in the upcoming season and why another championship could be on the horizon.
1. The Jayson Tatum And Jaylen Brown Duo
When you look at the Boston Celtics, it’s clear that their success starts with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. These two aren’t just stars—they’re the backbone of a team that’s built to win. Last season, Tatum was nothing short of spectacular, putting up 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. His ability to take over games, whether it’s with a clutch three-pointer or a powerful drive to the basket, makes him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Jaylen Brown, meanwhile, continues to elevate his game to new heights. Last season, he averaged 23.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game and was named Finals MVP for his standout performances. Brown is more than just a scoring machine—he’s also a tenacious defender, often taking on the toughest assignments on the floor. His two-way play is crucial to the Celtics’ success, and his ability to step up in big moments is what makes this duo so special.
What really sets Tatum and Brown apart, though, is their chemistry. They’ve been playing together for years now, and that experience shows. They know each other’s strengths and tendencies, which allows them to play off each other seamlessly. Whether it’s Tatum driving to the basket and kicking it out to Brown for an open shot, or Brown drawing defenders and setting up Tatum for a clutch three, these two have a connection that few other duos in the league can match.
Another key factor is their leadership. Both Tatum and Brown have grown into their roles as leaders of the team. They’ve been through the ups and downs of deep playoff runs, and they’ve learned what it takes to win at the highest level. This experience has helped them develop into not just great players, but also great leaders who set the tone for the rest of the team.
Defensively, Tatum and Brown are just as impactful. Tatum’s length and versatility make him a nightmare for opponents, while Brown’s athleticism and tenacity allow him to guard multiple positions. This defensive prowess is a big reason why the Celtics are consistently one of the top defensive teams in the league, and it’s a key part of their championship formula.
Finally, the Celtics’ front office has done a great job of building a team around Tatum and Brown that complements their strengths. With a solid supporting cast that includes veterans like Al Horford and new additions like Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics have the depth and talent to make another deep playoff run.
2. Incredible Depth And High-Level Role Players
While Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the clear stars of the Boston Celtics, what truly sets this team apart is their incredible depth. The Celtics aren’t just a two-man show—they’re stacked with talented players who can step up at any moment, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in the league.
Take Kristaps Porzingis, for example. In his first season with the Celtics, Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 57 games. His ability to stretch the floor as a 7’3″ sharpshooter, combined with his shot-blocking presence, gives the Celtics a unique weapon that few teams can match. Porzingis was a crucial addition to the roster, helping the team secure their 18th NBA championship last season.
Then there’s Derrick White, who has quietly become one of the most reliable players in the league. White averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds across 73 games in the 2023-24 season, playing a key role in the Celtics’ championship run. His versatility on both ends of the floor—whether as a starter or coming off the bench—gives the Celtics the flexibility to adapt to different matchups and situations.
Jrue Holiday, another key piece, contributed 12.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game last season. Known for his elite defense and veteran leadership, Holiday’s presence adds another layer of toughness and experience to the Celtics’ backcourt. His ability to guard the opponent’s best perimeter player while also facilitating the offense makes him invaluable in tight playoff games.
Peyton Pritchard, with his averages of 9.6 points, 3.2 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, has proven to be a spark plug off the bench. Pritchard’s shooting and energy are vital assets, especially during the regular season when depth becomes crucial for managing injuries and fatigue.
Veteran big man Al Horford, with 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, continues to be a steadying presence for the Celtics. His experience, basketball IQ, and ability to stretch the floor with his shooting provide the Celtics with a versatile frontcourt option who can play significant minutes in crucial games.
Finally, Sam Hauser’s contribution of 9.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game adds even more shooting depth to the roster. Hauser has developed into a reliable three-point shooter, which is invaluable in today’s game where floor spacing is key to a successful offense.
With a roster this deep, the Celtics can weather injuries, adjust to different matchups, and keep their stars fresh for the moments that matter most. This depth is a significant reason why Boston is positioned to compete for another championship this season. When you have role players performing at this high of a level, it takes the pressure off the stars and makes the team as a whole much more dangerous.
3. A Championship-Caliber Defense
Defense wins championships, and the Boston Celtics exemplified that last season. They finished with a defensive rating of 111.6, which ranked them first in the entire league. This strong defensive performance was a cornerstone of their success, allowing them to consistently stifle opposing teams and control games from start to finish.
The Celtics’ defensive prowess starts with their versatility and depth. Players like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are known for their elite perimeter defense. Holiday, a former All-Defensive Team selection, and White, who led the team in assists, are both capable of locking down top scorers while also contributing offensively. Their ability to switch across multiple positions and pressure the ball is invaluable in the Celtics’ defensive scheme.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown also play significant roles on the defensive end. Tatum, with his length and athleticism, is capable of guarding multiple positions, from quicker guards to taller forwards. Brown’s strength and quickness make him a nightmare for opposing wings. This duo’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor ensures that the Celtics are never outmatched defensively.
Adding to this is Kristaps Porzingis, who, despite being known more for his offensive skills, brought solid rim protection to the team. His shot-blocking ability and presence in the paint made it difficult for opponents to score inside, allowing the Celtics to be more aggressive on the perimeter.
Even with their stars on the bench, the Celtics didn’t miss a beat defensively, thanks to veterans like Al Horford. Horford’s experience and basketball IQ allow him to anchor the defense, communicate effectively, and make key plays in critical moments.
This well-rounded and committed defensive effort is why the Celtics were able to dominate on their way to the championship last season. With the same core group returning, Boston’s defense will continue to be a major factor in their pursuit of another title this year.
4. Experience And Veteran Leadership
Another major reason the Boston Celtics are poised to win the championship again this season is their wealth of championship experience and veteran leadership. The Celtics are bringing back nearly their entire roster from last season’s title run, and this continuity is crucial for a team with championship aspirations.
Players like Al Horford and Jrue Holiday bring a level of experience that is invaluable in the playoffs. Horford, who has been a key figure in the Celtics’ locker room for years, is the embodiment of a seasoned veteran. His leadership on and off the court provides stability and a sense of calm during high-pressure situations. Horford’s basketball IQ and ability to mentor younger players, while still contributing effectively on both ends of the floor, are crucial to the Celtics’ continued success.
Jrue Holiday, who had a championship under his belt already from his time with the Milwaukee Bucks, adds another layer of leadership and experience. Holiday’s impact goes beyond his defensive prowess; he knows what it takes to win at the highest level and brings that championship mentality to Boston. His ability to remain composed and make smart decisions in crunch time is exactly what the Celtics need as they aim to defend their title.
The Celtics also benefit from Kristaps Porzingis, who played a significant role in last season’s Finals. Porzingis, known for his scoring and shot-blocking, showed that he can perform on the biggest stage. His experience as a key contributor to a championship team gives the Celtics yet another player who knows how to handle the pressures of a deep playoff run.
Beyond the individual contributions, the collective experience of this group is what sets them apart. The Celtics have been through the grind of multiple playoff runs, and they understand the intensity and focus required to win in the postseason. This shared experience creates a strong bond within the team and a clear understanding of what it takes to reach the top.
Moreover, this veteran presence helps maintain the team’s focus throughout the long regular season. With seasoned players who understand the importance of consistency and preparation, the Celtics are well-equipped to navigate the ups and downs of the season while keeping their eyes on the ultimate prize.
5. Great Coaching And Consistency
One big reason the Boston Celtics are set to make another serious run at the championship is the stability and consistency Joe Mazzulla has brought as head coach. He’s been with the Celtics since 2019 and took over as head coach in 2022, so he’s had plenty of time to really get to know this team inside and out. Mazzulla’s deep connection with the players, like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, means he knows exactly how to get the best out of them. He’s all about defense, but he’s also made sure the team’s offense keeps evolving to take full advantage of the talent on the roster.
What makes the Celtics so dangerous is that they’ve kept almost all the key players from last year’s championship team. This kind of continuity is rare in the NBA, where teams often see big changes every offseason. With Tatum, Brown, Derrick White, and Al Horford all returning, these guys know their roles and how to play together. They don’t need to spend time figuring things out—they’re ready to go from day one.
Plus, it’s not just about the players. The coaching staff and front office have also stayed consistent, which means everyone is on the same page with a clear strategy and vision. While other teams are still trying to gel, the Celtics can hit the ground running. This gives them a huge edge, especially in a long season where having a strong start can make all the difference.
In short, with Mazzulla at the helm and the core of the team intact, the Celtics have everything they need to chase another championship. They’ve got the experience, the chemistry, and the leadership to make it happen again.
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