Front offices have been busy. The free agent market cluttered with star talents. Amongst them, one blockbuster news altered the shape of the NBA. Milwaukee Bucks formed the formidable duo – one that covers every inch of the court in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Vicious on the inside and unforgiving on the outside. However, the Wisconsin community shed tears while rejoicing.

Bucks had to ship Jrue Holiday to Portland, the man who played an integral role in their 2021 conquest. Immediately news spread about the Trail Blazers looking to dismiss him from the team. Without wasting much time, the Boston Celtics pounced making them an equal, if not superior to the Bucks in terms of sheer star talent.

Early into the window, the Shamrocks were involved in a three-team trade that also welcomed Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis to the side. The reigning Conference Finalists now essentially have a big four that has booked their place as the kingpins of the NBA. Even before the movements, the Celtics were amongst the favorites after finishing last season as the second season. After acquiring two All-Star caliber individuals, are those the pieces the Celtics need to finally get over their title drought?

The Boston Celtics have upgraded after Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis’ additions

The Celtics have never been poor, at least in the last decade. In the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era, the Celtics have made five ECF appearances, one including a trip to the NBA finals only two seasons ago. They have flaunted a core that delivers the results and often gets the job done. It began with a young Tatum and Brown, who were electric and hungry. Back then, they ran into what was the very apex of LeBron James for two years straight.

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A lot has changed since then. Tatum and Brown have become bona fide superstars getting paid multiple millions every season. They rocked with a side cast who was each equipped with an invaluable asset. Marcus Smart was their defensive titan who dove for loose balls, hit timely shots, and carried the responsibility of guarding the best player on a nightly basis. Al Horford the ageless center who openly challenged Giannis Antetokounmpo during their run to the finals. Robert Williams III erased shots for fun. Derrick White provides them the 3 and D presence off the bench that powered them to make these deep playoff runs. Other than these pieces, they had a bench unit that could pull the game in the blink of an eye.

Such was the true prowess of the Celtics. And now, while they lost many key figures such as Williams and Smart, they have replaced them with even more skillful guys. Holiday was an All-Defensive guard in the last season, the one who picked Marcus Smart, a DPOY twice in their playoff encounter. And also the unicorn Kristaps Porzingis whose range extends to half-court and can be considered to be a decent shot-blocking big man.

Out of all the cores in the NBA today, the Boston Celtics by far boasts the most accomplished starting five. They can run a variation of combinations depending on their opponents. Holiday fills the void Smart’s trade left behind and also gives them ample floor spacing. Remember, he shot close to 40% from three as a Buck. Similarly, the front court of Porzingis, Horford, and Tatum is a trio that is spotless on both ends of the court.

It is this complete roster that had the odd makers name them as the favorites, even when Lillard joined forces with the Greek Freak. But the question is, is this legion enough?

The Boston Celtics have attacked their ‘win-now’ window

The ferocity with which the Celtics approached the offseason proved one thing – they are tired of falling a few steps from the ultimate prize. For a brief moment, Tatum and Co. tasted the infectious allure of the NBA Finals. It made them desperate, maniacal in a way. Their core has proven to be mighty amongst the best teams in the NBA. All they needed was a few shifts to make what is now become the assembly of warriors.

Brown, who signed for exorbitant money is more motivated than ever to breathe the Celtics atmosphere. Jayson Tatum, an All-NBA first team member has improved exponentially on both sides of the floor. As the pillar of the franchise, MVP-level production is expected from him. With his constantly improving game, I can almost say for certainty that he is the perfect centerpiece for this star-studded side.

Then there is Jrue Holiday. He might have grown up in Los Angeles but he has immersed himself into the winning mentality that floats in the Celtics gym. He adjusted with Giannis and the Bucks, here, he might have a better chance to fully display his artistry. Holiday is the flexible addition that can do whatever the Celtics need him to do. Handle the ball, make plays, rain down threes, play smothering defense, he covers all those boxes.

The first three members of the cast are nothing short of the Justice League. However, the Celtics could find themselves in a deep grave when it comes to Porzingis. The 7’3″ big man has been prone to suffering injuries. only playing half the games in his last two seasons combined. When it comes to their depth, Horford is the second option. He might be able to push past his limits but ultimately he is 37. Even if he is willing to put it all on the line, the franchise needs to preserve him for the postseason action. If these pins fall, the 17-time champions could suffocate.

As far as their depth goes, Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Peyton Pritchard all perfectly complement the synergy of the Celtics’ top stars. A former member of the franchise, Brian Scalabrine said it perfectly. “If you talk to any coach in the NBA, they’re saying to you right now, ‘There’s no way to guard this team.’ And then, ‘How are we gonna score on this team?'” That has to be the popular notion. What do you do with a side that has the best offensive minds and a lockdown defense?

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The answer is simple, all teams can do it pray the experiment fails. Looking at the tangibles, the Celtics seemed destined to win a title. Each new face celebrates the Celtics’ culture. The motivation has reached its zenith. Their window to take it all is now, and Boston has left no stone unturned.