CANTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 26: Interim head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics takes questions from reporters during Boston Celtics Media Day at High Output Studios on September 26, 2022 in Canton, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
The Celtics endured significant coaching drama this offseason, but the roster has plenty of reasons to excite Boston fans heading into the regular season.
Ime Udoka’s off-court indiscretions caused a lot of upheaval in Boston during the offseason so Celtics fans should be excited to refocus their attention on actual games once Opening Night arrives. On the floor, Boston has enough talent to be legitimate NBA title contenders if they can stay healthy.
The team’s dominance starts with their embarrassment of riches on the wing. Most of their competitors are desperate to find one big wing who can initiate offense and defend their position at a high level. The Celtics sport two with the star combination of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
The supporting cast is also full of intriguing options. That’s what makes Boston so exciting heading into the regular season. One of the franchise’s most exciting players won’t make his impact right away though.
3. The return of Time Lord
Robert Williams’ ability to defend the rim and switch on the perimeter does wonders for the Celtics’ defensive scheme. Unfortunately, he won’t be out there with his teammates on Opening Night.
His knee injury is going to keep him out for several months, but that could turn into a blessing in disguise for Boston. This team doesn’t need to focus on maximizing its regular season win total. They need to spend their energy making sure they’re 100% going into the postseason.
When Williams does return it should give the Celtics’ roster a nice boost of energy during the doldrums of the long regular season campaign. It will be particularly interesting to see how untested interim head coach Joe Mazzulla works his unique big man back into the rotation.