Boston Celtics Last Season Performance
The Boston Celtics had a fruitful 2021-22 campaign; they started the season with an 18-21 record and turned it around with a 51-31 record to finish 2nd in the Eastern Conference.
Also, they got to the NBA Finals but came up two games short of the championship. The C’s closed the season as the second-best team in the NBA after a defeat 90-103 versus the Golden State Warriors.
Before the last season began, the Celtics’ recently promoted executive Brad Stevens knew the team needed to go through significant changes to regain NBA title contender status. Stevens hired head coach Ime Udoka who built off one of the most impressive turnarounds the Celtics have seen in recent history: From 11th into 2nd in the Eastern Conference, to name just one.
In addition, the C’s roster went through noteworthy reconstruction. First, Boston welcomed veteran Al Horford back in exchange for Kemba Walker. Horford had a decent regular season, but he shined the most in the postseason, in which he played heavy minutes on the court and averaged close to double-double figures.
Moreover, dynamic duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown delivered terrific performances throughout the season and learned to embrace the leadership roles among the team.
Brown glowed in the postseason; In Game 3 versus the GSW, he scored 17 points in the first quarter and became the second Celtics player who scored the most points in the first stanza of a finals game. On Tatum’s end, his scoring was impressive too. However, Jayson’s playmaking and offensive mastery were critical for the Celtics to reach the NBA Finals.
The rest of the C’s core was terrific as well. Marcus Smart won the Defensive Player of the Year award, and Robert Williams III made a remarkable defensive performance in the postseason despite not being completely healthy.
Boston Celtics Off-Season Changes
Boston Celtics haven’t done quite a lot during the offseason. Most of their playoff rotation is still under contract for the upcoming season.
The Celtics’ five-main men, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Robert Williamson III, and Al Horford, have high chances to remain the same for the 2022-23 campaign because they proved to be one of the most solid starters in the league.
Boston Celtics Key Additions
The C’s added Malcolm Brogdon and Danilo Gallinari to address the roster’s needs: Bench power, playmaking, and shooting. Boston acquired Brogdon in free agency in a deal with the Indiana Pacers. Gallinari signed a two-year contract with the Celtics after being traded to San Antonio and then waived.
The veteran forward Danilo Gallinari will add shooting and offensive skills that should allow more frontcourt rotation to the team. Gallinari played the last two seasons with the Atlanta Haws averaging 11.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg., and 1.5 apg.
For the Celtics’ pursuit of Banner 18, they couldn’t find a better fit than Malcolm Brogdon due to his playoff experience. He played three seasons with the Bucks and helped them reach the finals in all three seasons. Brogdon will bring versatility to the team along with a defensive skillset.
Boston Celtics Key Substractions
The Celtics landed 2017 ROY Malcolm Brogdon in exchange for Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, Nik Stauskas, Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, and a 2023 first-round draft choice.
Boston Celtics Head Coach Analysis
In only his first year as head coach for the Celtics, Ime Udoka has revitalized the team with improvements in defense, significant roster rotations, and player roles’ adjustments. The team went over a massive transformation under Coach Udoka’s watch.
Celtics executive and former coach Brad Steven regarded Udoka as a patient and insightful teacher directly responsible for the C’s impressive turnaround. On the other hand, the media questioned his leadership skills for calling out players publicly, but since Boston reached the NBA Finals, there is not much to say about his coaching style.
Coach Udoka finished in the fourth position for the COTY award voting. He changed the team’s culture, empowered players, and brought back the Celtics to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
Boston Celtics Betting Prediction for the 2022-23 Season
The sportsbook has Boston Celtics as the absolute favorite to win the NBA Championship with odds at +550. In addition, basketball experts have a projected 54-28 record of winning the regular season. Now, let’s break the odds down.
First, the same squad, including the coaching staff, that took the C’s to the NBA Finals and placed them as the second seed of their conference is still available for the upcoming season. Not only that, but the bold off-season additions will add depth to the roster.
Then, despite Boston’s awful star last season, they turned it around and made it to the playoffs. The Celtics have proved they are a team that learns from past mistakes. Most likely, they will start the season strong.
Also, they are the favorites to win the Eastern Conference at +250, and Ime Udoka is at the top to win the Coach of the Year award. None of these predictions are crazy or impossible to achieve. Betting on the Celtics will pay off.
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Boston Celtics FAQs
When was the last chance the Boston Celtics made the playoffs?
The Boston Celtics made the playoffs in 2022. They got to the NBA Finals to play versus the Golden State Warriors; they lost their chance to become NBA Champions.
Do the Boston Celtics have a chance of winning the Eastern Conference title?
The oddsmaker has the Boston Celtics as heavy favorites to win the Eastern Conference with odds of +250. They are likely to become back-to-back conference title winners in the upcoming season.
Do the Boston Celtics have a chance to win the NBA championship?
The Celtics are favored to win the 2022-23 NBA Championship at +550 odds. They nearly won the 2022 NBA title but fell short of the Warriors. Their main lineup is intact, and they have plenty of playoff experience. The Eastern Conference is strong this season, and the Celtics are the core.
Will Jayson Tatum win the 2023 MVP?
Jayson Tatum is, without question, an elite basketball player. He has a remarkable career, and undoubtedly, he led the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season; however, the MVP award odds show he is not a favorite to become the next best player in the league.
