Boston Celtics offseason additions have followed exciting trend
Each Boston Celtics offseason addition has been defensively focused, as CelticsBlog’s Adam Taylor pointed out after the Lamar Stevens signing, which makes for a trend from the front office to restore the team’s tough-nosed point-preventing identity from Ime Udoka’s lone season in charge.
“The Celtics have now added three new defensive-minded wing players over the summer, with Jordan Walsh and Oshae Brissett also joining the roster,” Taylor wrote. “Dalano Banton is also more of a defensive-upside project player, although he is technically listed as a point guard.
“As (potentially) the 15th man on the roster, Stevens is not guaranteed a role within the Celtics rotation; however, following the departure of Marcus Smart this summer, bringing in a hard-nosed defender who creates havoc with his intense playstyle makes sense. After a season where Joe Mazzulla put the team’s focus on the offensive end, Brad Stevens has retooled the Celtics with numerous stingy defenders, in what could be an indication of the Celtics returning to their defensive identity for the upcoming season.”
Boston Celtics could be posturing toward wing-heavy positionless basketball
Signing another wing expected to knock down open shots and create havoc defensively could be a sign that the Boston Celtics could be posturing toward a brand of wing-heavy positionless basketball during the 2023-24 season.
With plans of potentially shifting Jayson Tatum to the PG spot, Mazzulla could be looking to fill the floor with the position (wing) that is best built for up-tempo, two-way dominance in the modern age. If “Point Tatum” works, that could open up interesting trade possibilities in the backcourt; with Payton Pritchard and Malcolm Brogdon both showing displeasure with aspects of being in Boston.
The traditional lineup route hasn’t brought the Celtics Banner 18, so going the untraditional route is the best way to shock the system and perhaps redefine the league in a way NBA dynasties have done throughout history.