5 reasons why 2018-19 will define future of the Boston Celtics
By Bret Stuter
1. The Celtics’ time is now
The Boston Celtics have written four seasons worth of “close but not close enough” and “we’ll get them next year” narratives. It may have been that “not good enough” reputation that prompted significant front office activity last season.
You recall that the Boston Celtics signed free agent Gordon Hayward in 2017, and of course traded with their biggest rival, the Cavaliers, to land Kyrie Irving. Despite the flurry of activity, injuries negated the players’ impact this year.
That may have delayed the inevitable call-to-the-carpet of general manager Danny Ainge.
Until now, there has always been enough margin of doubt to give the progress and success of the Boston Celtics another chance to roll the dice. But much like the constant thwarting of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics now arguably have enough significant talent to get to the NBA Finals if everyone is healthy.
On one hand, the presumption is that all Celtics’ players will be healthy for 2018-2019. On the other hand, the presumption also expects the Celtics to improve upon falling one game short of competing in the NBA Finals.
It’s do or die now for the Celtics in the minds of many fans, as Jedi Master Yoda can explain:
The Boston Celtics must now do. With a roster headlined by Hayward, Irving and Horford, there truly are no excuses why this team should not compete in the NBA Finals for years to come.
That is all up to how this team performs in the 2018-19 season. With the Celtics trending up and gifted players returning to the active lineup, the pressure is on. How can this team, with expectations so lofty, survive without getting to the NBA Finals?
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That’s the million dollar question. How the team handles the pressure of the 2018-19 season will truly define the future of the Boston Celtics.