Learning from the Finals: the Boston Celtics have an athleticism deficiency

In just a few days, it’ll be time for Boston to officially give up the crown as a new team takes the thrown. The 2023-24 title was unforgettable, but things move fast in Boston and the focus has shifted to banner 19.

The Celtics know what it takes to build a champion, but while the blueprint for victory is still fresh, there’s a lesson to be learned from the Thunder and Pacers. Through five NBA Finals games, the value placed on athleticism and strength is unmistakable, and it’s a hole that Boston needs to fill on their own roster.

Aside from two 7-footers, the bulk of the Thunder’s playoff rotation falls between 6’4” and 6’6”. They’ve built an all-time defense because of that, not in spite of it.

Cason Wallace and Lu Dort are the two smallest rotation pieces at 6’4”, but each of them has the mindset and physical tools to play much larger. Even in matchups where they give up some size, it never feels like OKC is at a disadvantage. Their wings switch, help, rotate and recover, causing havoc and scaring ballhandlers. Offensively, they get out in transition, fill gaps and finish plays at the rim.

To a lesser degree, Indiana has their own collection of strong and springy athletes. Siakam, Toppin, Nesmith, Nembhard, Mathurin and Sheppard are wing-sized players that can slide up and down the positional scale on either end.

Due to factors like age, injuries and roster changes, Boston is missing this same type of versatility at the wing/forward spot. Horford and Jrue have lost a step, and the rest of the roster wins more with skill, timing and shotmaking. Brown and Tatum account for a significant amount of the explosive plays and above-the-rim finishes, which masks a lack of athleticism around them.

The team found ways to offset this throughout the year — primarily with record-breaking 3PT volume — but it led to unnecessary pressure and wear on the Jays.

When you look at the Pacers and Thunder, the stars are part of this equation, but they get to play more of a supporting role in terms of energy and athleticism. Dort, Caruso and Wallace can do a lot of the dirty work for OKC, while Nesmith, Nembhard and Toppin fit similarly for Indiana.

Currently, there aren’t many options on the roster that can replicate this dynamic for Boston. Jordan Walsh fits the mold in some ways, but after a sophomore season without much playing time it’s unclear if he’s part of the long-term plans. Another offseason in the weight room could open the door for Walsh to earn real minutes in Tatum’s absence, but it’s far from a reliable solution.

The draft and trade market offer other opportunities to address this. The Pacers and Thunder built their versatility up using both options. Boston can take a swing someone like Adou Theiro or Drake Powell with either of their draft picks, while also exploring trade options to find more established players.

If they can inject the wing depth with more athleticism and youth, it’ll allow Tatum and Brown to scale back a bit. As they both recover from surgeries, it’s important to make sure they’re not overextended.

The Thunder and Pacers aren’t going anywhere, and other teams are starting to load up as well. If the Celtics want to keep pace and ensure their window stays open, they need a roster that can run with anyone — and that means addressing the lack of athleticism.