Boston Celtics: Team chemistry
The 2018-19 Boston Celtics are the perfect example of why team chemistry matters so much when building a championship-caliber team.
The Celtics have arguably the most complete roster in the NBA, filled with both young guys and veterans that could earn All-Star honors themselves. But once you add too much talent to a team, issues begin to come to light.
It has been known for quite some time now that these Boston Celtics do not have the most positive atmosphere inside the locker room. Chemistry issues like that could come back to haunt them once the playoffs begin and pressure levels rise.
After blowing a 28-point lead to the Clippers in Boston, Marcus Morris says the Celtics haven't had fun in a long time. pic.twitter.com/cM05GHUW8k
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 10, 2019
One possible explanation could be due to the presence of so many egos on the roster. After all, there is only one basketball.
The other explanation? Perhaps the constant speculation around Kyrie Irving‘s future has taken a toll, since it’s been one of the most talked-about topics since October.
Kyrie Irving has shifted from his commitment to re-signing with the Celtics: “I don’t owe anybody shit.”
— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) February 1, 2019
The Toronto Raptors seem to be working like a well-oiled machine. Every player seems to have found his spot on the team which is fairly impressive, given the fact that this is a newly assembled group.
Take Kyle Lowry, for example. By adding Kawhi and Marc Gasol to the team, scoring chances were bound to be limited for the veteran point guard. Add Pascal Siakam‘s breakout season to the mix, and you have the recipe for a poor season by Lowry. Instead, he’s shifted his gameplay to a more facilitating role that fits this team perfectly.
Having so many top-tier players on a team is what separates contenders from borderline playoff teams. It’s just a matter of managing those completely different personalities and skill-sets.