With their 18th championship, the Boston Celtics is the league’s winningest franchise, and it looks like they’re bent on repeating with an intact lineup. Cohesion and familiarity will be the main ingredients, and they have potentially the same starting unit. Except for Kristaps Porzingis who’s out for a few months recovering from foot surgery, the Celtics do have a solid rotation.
But, unless Xavier Tillman and Luke Kornet step up, beloved Celtic senior citizen Al Horford will have his hands full manning the middle.
The Celtics are still favorites to get their 19th NBA trophy, but two conference rivals have beefed up their roster and will make things complicated for Boston.
PHILADELPHIA 76’RS –
Joel Embiid had a good Olympic run and looks like he’s ready to challenge all comers. He gets more motivation with a 3-year, $193 million max contract extension. All-Star starting point guard Tyrese Maxey is also on a new $204m deal. Free agent Paul George was signed to a 4-year, 212m contract and they make a formidable scoring trio. But the question will be – with their histories of injury, can both Embiid and George stay healthy long enough to make a long playoff run.
Honoring Kobe Bryant, George will wear number 8 with the Sixers, and at 34-years old, this will be his best chance to win his first NBA title. Philadelphia last won the championship in 1983. They have two other league titles won in 1955 and 1967.
Aside from George, the Sixers have strengthened their frontline with the addition of Andre Drummond, Caleb Martin, French Olympian Guerschon Yabusele and re-signed guards Kelly Oubre and Kyle Lowry.
NEW YORK KNICKS –
The Knicks are starved of a title after their 1970 and 1973 championships. NYK fans had been energized after a 50-win season and are optimistic of a title parade along Broadway at this season’s end.
Julius Randle, who last played in January is reportedly recovering well from his shoulder surgery and could be travelling with the team for their season opener against the Celtics. He is extension eligible for a 4-year deal worth $181 million but neither sides haven’t agreed on a deal.
A 2-time All-NBA and 3-time All-Star with the Knicks, his 24 pts and 9 rebs per game prior to the season ending injury will be most welcome for NYK.
New addition Mikal Bridges will likely pair with Randle on the frontline with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in the backcourt. With the departure of Isaiah Hartenstein, NYK has only Mitchell Robinson as their legit big man and Randle could spend some time in the middle alternating with Precious Achiuwa. Seldom used center Jericho Sims could find some playing time.
Defensive forward-guard OG Anunoby had a huge payday when the Knicks re-signed him to a reported 5-year, $212 million contract.
A healthy New York Knicks roster will be the Celtics’ biggest title threat.