3 things the Boston Celtics can’t afford to have happen next season
The Boston Celtics have been unlucky in a multitude of different ways over the past few seasons, but they will look to put it all behind them and flip the script in order to avoid major issues next season.
We at the Houdini figured we would highlight what the Celtics can’t afford to have happen next season.
No. 1 thing the Boston Celtics must hope to avoid: A Kristaps Porzingis injury
The Celtics made a splash move this offseason as they traded fan favorite Marcus Smart for Porzingis. Such a move was puzzling for the Cs as Porzingis is an injury-prone player. Boston will hope that Porzingis can maintain the form he had this past season when he played in 65 games.
"Porzingis. I'm sorry. He worries me."@SIChrisMannix, @aminajadeTV and @ChrisForsberg_ weigh in on the state of the #Celtics, and whether they are better or worse after their offseason moves #BleedGreen pic.twitter.com/5N35TPRorl
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) July 18, 2023
The Cs will hope Porzingis can avoid previous years in his career when he only played 17 or 35 games. If Porzingis can stay healthy, the Celtics will have a chance at a top-three seed. That’s a potentially big if though.
No. 2 thing the Boston Celtics will hope to avoid: A Jaylen Brown trade request
With the recent contract negotiations with Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have to be cautious with him next season. The last thing the Cs need is for Brown to request a trade as they approach an all-in portion of the championship window.
Jaylen Brown just posted this on instagram
— CelticsMuse (@CelticsMuse) July 16, 2023
Don't forget how good JB actually is😤 pic.twitter.com/TZNwwZdoGb
Boston will look to keep Brown happy this season, and they should do this by rewarding him with a contract. Keeping Brown happy has to be a main priority for the Cs this season.
A happy Brown will limit the likelihood that he requests a trade.
No. 3 thing the Boston Celtics will hope to avoid: Lack of rest for core players
One of the most important things that the Celtics need to do next season is to rest their core players. Over the last few seasons, the C’s core players, most specifically Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, have struggled in the Postseason due to fatigue.
The Celtics should look to avoid this by resting them throughout the season. If I was running Boston’s front office, I would prioritize rest over playoff seeding because they are better on the road, and health is the most important thing.
Avoiding a lack of rest is crucial for the Celtics next season.