The Boston Celtics have made some moves this summer that have left people scratching their heads.
They have been legitimate championship contenders over the last couple of years, but instead of moving forward and keeping their core together, they have undertaken a big remodeling project.
Marcus Smart, one of their most valuable players and a Defensive Player of the Year winner, was sent out in a blockbuster trade that brought them Kristaps Porzingis, an ultra-skilled but injury-prone center.
Star wing Jaylen Brown warned that the Celtics have to work hard to continue to be an elite defensive team without Smart, according to Jared Weiss.
Jaylen Brown: “With Marcus gone, we don’t want our defensive identity to go out the door as well.”
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) July 26, 2023
Boston has become a title contender on the strength of their defense, which has been at or near the top of the NBA.
This past season, they finished second in defensive rating, and the year before they were tops in that category.
But despite their defensive prowess, the Celtics have seen their dream of an 18th world championship fizzle out the last two postseasons.
In 2022, they blew a 2-1 series lead in the NBA Finals to the Golden State Warriors, and this past season they got humiliated at home in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals by the Miami Heat.
With their new-look roster, the Celtics will have to win more with offense, but they may not be equipped to do so.
The Smart trade cost them depth, as either Derrick White or reigning Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon will have to start at point guard, while sharpshooter Danilo Gallinari and forward Grant Williams have also departed.
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Jaylen Brown Reacts To Grant Williams And Robert Williams III Trolling Him