The Boston Celtics have gone through plenty of change in just the last couple of weeks.
They executed a major trade lately that saw them gain Kristaps Porzingis, who is an All-Star-level center when healthy, but they lost former Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and sharpshooter Danilo Gallinari in the process.
That trade will deplete Boston’s depth, as Malcolm Brogdon, a Sixth Man of the Year candidate last season, will now start at point guard.
On Wednesday, the Celtics lost even more depth, as it was announced that forward Grant Williams will be heading to the Dallas Mavericks.
Analyst Keith Smith feels he will be a major loss.
Losing Grant Williams for a couple of seconds is rough for the Celtics. He’s a good player and was a big part of some very good teams. Won’t be easily replaced.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 5, 2023
In his four NBA seasons, Williams has become an accurate 3-point shooter as well as an above-average defender.
Depth was a problem for the Celtics when they lost in the NBA Finals a season ago to the Golden State Warriors, and this coming season, that problem will be even more pronounced.
It will put more pressure on not only Porzingis but also Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the team’s two main stars.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks will be gaining an important depth piece after jettisoning Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith in order to land Kyrie Irving in February.
Their biggest weakness last season was defense, and perhaps Williams will help in the department somewhat.
Dallas’ season ended in disaster as they failed to reach the postseason after being tabbed as dark-horse contenders, but this time around, they will have a full training camp with Irving.
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Stats Show What Kristaps Porzingis Will Bring To Celtics