Why the new and improved Celtics are a major threat
By Rob Greene
Boston improved one of their biggest weaknesses.
The Porzingis acquisition provides stability in the Celtics’ lineup. Brad Stevens instantly pointed out how KP fits any of their team’s combinations, providing more rest given Al Horford’s age and Robert Williams’ injury problems. Porzingis can also be the stand-alone five with the ball-handlers and play next to one, if not both, of the bigs in efforts to rest the Jays or guards.
Horford and Timelord can impressively guard anyone and any position, with Robert Williams III still the Celtics’ prominent defensive anchor on both ends, further evolving and getting past the injury woes. but the Celtics needed this balance more than ever. Williams recently showed off his offensive work this offseason, with him having his healthiest summer.
Many thought Smart may have lost his legs defensively, with him seeming a tad on the decline on that end last season following his DPOY 2022, with White filling those shoes and beyond as a No. 3 option Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown haven’t had yet. The numbers showed, and everyone remembers his buzzer-beater in Miami. It was displayed throughout the season as one of the most interesting stories in his first full season, with all his comfort.