The Boston Celtics are once more firmly in “championship-or-bust” mode this season, with the excessive monetary stakes including stress to their title aspirations. Recent off their 2023-24 NBA title, led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, the Celtics now have their sights set on constructing a dynasty. However with back-to-back championships eluding all groups for the reason that Warriors of the glory days, Boston faces the problem of sustaining their edge and avoiding complacency.
Key gamers like Tatum and Derrick White have been locked into contract extensions, signaling that the Celtics are all-in. Tatum, who averaged 26.9 ppg final season and continues to refine his recreation, stays the centerpiece of the crew. His work this offseason with coach Drew Hanlen to enhance his three-point capturing exhibits his dedication to main Boston’s pursuit of one other title. Brown, along with his potential to assault the basket, enhances Tatum, whereas two-time NBA champion Jrue Vacation, with the assistance of Brown and White, anchors the protection along with his elite play and skill to lockdown opposing crew’s star gamers.
Nonetheless, the big value of retaining this championship-caliber roster intact looms massive. The crew is projected to face a staggering $500 million payroll and luxurious tax burden by the 2025-26 season. With possession adjustments doubtlessly on the horizon, together with a rumored sale by crew governor Wyc Grousbeck, the monetary stress is mounting. The Celtics have the expertise to repeat as champions, however something wanting a title may very well be seen as a failure, particularly given the exorbitant value of their roster.
The crew has a complete payroll of $206,004,700 for the 2024-25 season, rating them third within the NBA.
Returning: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Al Horford, Jrue Vacation, Kristaps Porzingis, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Jaden Springer, Jordan Walsh, Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, Neemias Queta, Drew Peterson, JD Davison
Additions: Lonnie Walker (Brooklyn), Baylor Scheierman (Creighton), Jay Scrubb (Orlando), Ron Harper Jr. (Toronto), Dmytro Skapintsev (Westchester, G League), Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State), Anton Watson (Gonzaga)
Departures: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (Utah), Oshae Brissett
David Butler II-Imagn Photographs
Sturdy offensive firepower led by Tatum and Brown. Deep and versatile roster that may adapt to completely different play types. Defensive resilience spearheaded by Jrue Vacation and Derrick White.
Potential distractions from possession adjustments. Excessive payroll might restrict future flexibility. Dependence on core gamers staying wholesome.
Maddie Malhotra/Getty Photographs
HoopsHype: 1st within the Atlantic Division, 1st within the Japanese Convention
ESPN: 1st within the Atlantic Division, 1st within the Japanese Convention
Sportsbooks: 58.5 projected wins
HoopsHype compiled the consensus win averages by gathering win projections from eight sportsbooks, together with FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars, and bet365.
