Ramp to Camp: What is the largest Celtics storyline forward of Day 1? initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Boston
When the Boston Celtics convened for the beginning of coaching camp a yr in the past, there have been no scarcity of storylines: The offseason was bookended by the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Vacation, together with the departure of core members in Marcus Good and Robert Williams III. This was a crew nonetheless stung by a Sport 7 loss at house within the Japanese Convention Finals that denied it an opportunity to get again to the Finals stage.
Issues are slightly totally different this time round. The Celtics are NBA champions and introduced again primarily the identical roster. So for the fourth installment of our Ramp to Camp 2024 collection, we hit our panel with a little bit of an open-ended query: What’s one storyline you’ll be targeted on when the Celtics huddle for Day 1 of coaching camp on Sept. 25?
(Take a look at the primary, second and third installments of Ramp to Camp right here.)
Our alternative is a storyline that may outline Boston’s complete 2024-25 season: Simply how prepared will this crew be to place within the work needed to finish the NBA’s drought of repeat champions, and the way do they method this season after lastly reaching the mountaintop?
The 2023-24 Celtics have been males on a mission. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been early studies to the Auerbach Heart, setting a tone for all the crew. Coaching camp classes and even regular-season practices have been business-like. The Celtics most actually had their enjoyable, however even the newcomers marveled on the nearly singular concentrate on getting over the ultimate hurdle and securing Banner 18.
The Celtics have a lot expertise — and confirmed simply how dominant they could possibly be final season — that it typically seems like the one crew that may cease them from their final purpose is themselves. So our complete focus as camp kicks off is how the Celtics are speaking concerning the upcoming challenges, and the way they’re embracing the obstacles that await.
The excellent news? Early returns recommend this crew won’t lack for motivation, and the Celtics already appear to be they are going to embrace these challenges.
Tatum and Brown lastly received their banner and nonetheless discovered motivation in the best way Group USA disrespected them each this summer season. Gamers have joked this summer season about how head coach Joe Mazzulla nearly instantly turned the web page to the crew’s championship protection and Mazzulla not too long ago famous how he desires a goal on his crew’s again (or, as Mazzulla implied, he’d desire the crew put on it proper between their eyes).
These really feel like encouraging indicators that the Celtics will be capable of faucet into the identical of the identical focus and motivation that fueled them a yr in the past, and that this crew may be capable of keep away from a few of the pitfalls that different defending champions have gotten snagged on.
The expertise and potential of this crew is clear. The success appears to hinge on being mentally robust sufficient to embrace the lengthy journey again to a singular purpose. After a summer season celebrating their successes, we’re wanting to see how shortly gamers can flip the web page to the following chapter.
Right here’s what our panel can be targeted on:
John Tomase, Columnist: Is everybody in form?
Or did anybody let their guard down throughout a championship summer season? Is perhaps the primary signal of a tough highway forward.
Tom Giles, Multi-platform host: Motivated Jays?
How motivated will Brown be by the Olympic snub and the way motivated will Tatum be by his Olympic position (or lack thereof)? Will they arrive out of the gates able to set the world on hearth?
Mark Hazlett, Multi-platform producer: Joe Mazzulla
You simply know he is extra anxious about his crew falling into complacency than anybody. He is sure to return to camp with some completely outrageous strategies to maintain his guys on their toes. Cannot wait to see what they’re.
Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor: Mazzulla setting the tone
Mazzulla answered numerous critics by guiding the Celtics to a title in his second season as head coach. The 36-year-old is a maniacal competitor, although, and we’re keen to listen to what message he delivers to his gamers and to the media about placing final season’s championship within the rearview mirror.
Justin Leger, Net Producer: Motivated Jays?
How motivated do Tatum and Brown take care of their respective Olympic snubs? With none noteworthy modifications to the championship roster, all eyes ought to be on the Jays to see whether or not it is clear they’ve a chip on their shoulder, particularly Brown.
Nick Goss, Net Producer: No KP, no downside?
How does the lineup look with Porzingis unavailable for the primary few months of the season?
Kevin Miller, VP, Content material: The Jays’ growth
Yearly they arrive again higher than the earlier season. And may Xavier Tillman be a legit rotation backup for Al Horford?
