Crawl to Camp: What’s the Celtics’ Biggest Story Heading into Opening Day? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
When the Boston Celtics Called up for the start of training camp a year ago, there was no shortage of stories: the offseason was framed by the additions of Kristaps Porzingis And Jrue’s Holidaysas well as the departure of the main members of Marcus Smart And Robert Williams IIIThis was a team still reeling from a home loss in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals that denied them a chance to return to the Finals.
Things are a little different this time. The Celtics are NBA champions and brought back essentially the same list. So for the fourth installment of our Ramp to Camp 2024 series, we asked our panel a somewhat open-ended question: What is the story you will be focusing on when the Celtics gather for the first day of training camp on September 25?
(See the first, second and third parts of Ramp to Camp here.)
Our pick is a storyline that could define Boston’s entire 2024-25 season: How willing will this team be to put in the work needed to end the NBA’s drought of repeat championships, and how will it approach this season after finally reaching the top?
The 2023-24 Celtics were men on a mission. Jayson Tatum And Jaylen Brown The first reports at the Auerbach Center set the tone for the entire team. Workouts and even regular-season practices went smoothly. The Celtics certainly had a good time, but even the newcomers were amazed with the almost singular objective of crossing the last obstacle and securing banner 18.
The Celtics have so much talent — and showed how dominant they can be last season — that it sometimes feels like the only team that can stop them from reaching their ultimate goal is themselves. So as camp begins, we focus on how the Celtics talk about the challenges ahead and how they’re dealing with the obstacles that lie ahead.
The good news? Early results suggest this team will have plenty of motivation, and the Celtics already appear ready to take on those challenges.
Tatum and Brown finally got their banner and still found motivation in the way the US team disrespected them this summerPlayers joked this summer that the head coach Joe Mazzulla almost immediately turned the page in the team’s championship defense and Mazzulla recently noted how he wants a target on his team’s back (or, as Mazzulla suggested, he would prefer the team just wear it between the eyes).
Those indicators seem encouraging and show that the Celtics will be able to leverage the same focus and motivation that fueled them a year ago, and that this team might be able to avoid some of the pitfalls that other defending champions have found themselves stuck in.
The talent and potential of this team is evident. Success seems to depend on the mental strength needed to undertake the long road to a singular goal. After a summer of celebrating their success, we are eager to see how quickly the players can turn the page and move on to the next chapter.
Here’s what our panel will focus on:
Jean TomaseColumnist:Is everyone in good shape?
Or did someone let their guard down during a championship summer? This could be the first sign of a tough road ahead.
Tom GilesMulti-platform host: Motivated Jays?
What will be Brown’s motivation? by the Olympic snub and how motivated Tatum will be by its Olympic role (or lack thereof)Will they come out of the gates ready to set the world on fire and blood?
Mark Hazlett, Multiplatform Producer:Joe Mazzulla
We know he’s more worried than anyone about his team falling into complacency. He’s probably going to come to camp with some absolutely outrageous methods to keep his guys on their toes. I can’t wait to see what they do.
Darren HartwellEditor in Chief:Mazzulla sets the tone
Mazzulla answered many critics by leading the Celtics to a title in his second season as head coach. The 36-year-old is a manic competitor, though, and we’re eager to hear what message he has for his players and the media about putting last season’s title in the rearview mirror.
Justin LégerWeb Producer: Motivated Jays?
How motivated are Tatum and Brown after their respective Olympic failures? With no notable roster changes in the league, all eyes should be on the Jays to see if they have a grudge against them, especially Brown.
Nick GossWeb Producer:No KP, no problem?
What does the squad look like with Porzingis unavailable for the first few months of the season?
Kevin Miller, Vice President, Content:The Development of the Jays
Every year they come back better than the previous season. And can Xavier Tillman be a legitimate rotation backup for Al Horford?
