Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from 2019 NBA offseason
By Adam Taylor
Hard work beats talent
2018-19 was marred in mediocrity and personal agendas, which ultimately lead to the Boston Celtics’ demise come playoff time.
Never finding a consistent rhythm or touching upon the potential the team so clearly had, too much isolation play or settling for bad shots became the story of an ill-fated season.
During the draft Danny Ainge appears to have put as much stock in character as he has in talent, and these guys are talented. During the players introductory press conference Ainge had this to say:
"“I think it just makes life more enjoyable when everybody is humble, hard-working and will play any role they have to to help the team succeed”"
Evidently, Boston took personality into when performing their pre-draft interviews and workouts, ensuring they get what they considered to be the right people — not just the right player.
Followed by the addition of two players known for their popularity in the locker room in Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter.
"“I believe in talking with them, the background checks we do … these guys have the desire to become great and they’ll put in the work and have the focus to live up to the potential they have.”"
A team full of selfless players, playing only towards the common goal of team success brings back memories of the 2016-17 Celtics lead by Isaiah Thomas.
That team shocked the NBA my making a run to the conference finals, losing to a Lebron James led Cleveland team 4-1 following the hip injury sustained by Thomas in Game 3 of that series.
Comparisons can lead to unjustified expectations, derailing last year’s team from almost the opening tip of the first game.
Conversely, if the current roster can take lessons from that 2016-17 team and inherit their never-say-die attitude, then this new method of recruitment will look like a masterstroke — both in the short and long term.