Boston Celtics: 4 keys to dethroning Bucks as ‘Kings of the East’

Key for Boston Celtics to dethrone Bucks No. 3) Don’t go “all in” too easily

In just the season prior to 2021-22, the Boston Celtics found themselves coming to within just two games of reaching the NBA Finals and, over the past five years, have been to the Eastern Conference Finals thrice.

Seeing the team bounced via gentleman’s sweep in the 2021 Quarterfinals was a bit odd to see for fans of the organization, but many still feel as though it was a fluke turnout rather than a sign of a “new norm.”

In fact, there are still plenty who believe this team could thrust themselves back into elite status come next season should they make the right moves which, in some cases, is interpreted as “making a blockbuster deal.”

Now, those of you who follow our work here at the site are likely already aware that we are certainly not opposed to the idea of seeing the Celtics go “all in” on a top-billed player this summer.

That said, there are some stars out there who have even been linked as possible targets for the franchise that we believe should be avoided, be it due to potential fit with the team, the sheer cost it would take to acquire them, or simply the idea of nabbing them by other means at another time down the road.

Trades involving, say, John Wall or even a Bradley Beal may seem appealing on paper, but name recognition isn’t always the main thing that matters — generally speaking, a player’s fit within a team’s desired scheme is of the utmost importance.

For a team already consisting of two talents such as Tatum and Brown, perhaps a more impactful transaction could come by means of dealing for non-stars or, in other words, players that fit a smaller but much-needed role within the system.

Swinging for the fences always seems like fun, but sometimes bunting can prove to be both safer and more strategic.

Now, we’re not saying the Boston Celtics shouldn’t pursue a blockbuster deal this summer — after all, we’ve already screamed from the rooftops about how much we’d love a guy like Damian Lillard in green and white threads — but they shouldn’t rush into anything unless it seems like the perfect fit.