This year, there’s a new meaning to the #DifferentHere tagline that the Boston Celtics have used over the past few seasons. A series of cost-cutting roster moves changed the identity of the team completely this summer.
Instead of being viewed as championship favorites, many don’t know what to think of this Celtics team. They could still be competitive, and have looked that way at times this preseason. At the same time, they’ve shown tendencies of a mediocre to bad team, particularly on the glass.
As Boston tries to find its identity, there are plenty of adjustments for returning players to make as the new guys filter into the rotation.
“We’re just trying to figure out our spots and our offense,” Jaylen Brown explained at Monday’s practice, via CLNS. “Trying to figure out all of the pieces together. It’s going to take some time to find a rhythm… and right now we’re in that process of trying to figure it out.”
This season will certainly feel different for Brown, who’s embraced the role of being this group’s leader.
Instead of feeling invincible on a night-to-night basis, he and the Celtics will have to fight for every single one of their wins this season -- a challenge that he’s ready to take on.
“I’m excited about it,” Brown said of the premise of having to execute on a high level to win games. “Just figuring the puzzle out is a challenge. Trying to bring the most out of yourself and others as well. It’s going to be a challenge every single night. There’s going to be some ups and some downs that people may not be expecting. But, that’s a part of it. We got new guys and a new team. We’ve got a lot of potential, but we’re trying to turn that potential into reality right now.”
Puzzle-solving should be a fun watch for Celtics fans
As disappointing as it may be for fans when they turn on their TVs and see a watered-down version of the Celtics, the challenge that Brown is talking about may make this group an awesome one to watch.
It’s been a topic of discussion all summer, but when there are expectations, there’s more stress. When there aren’t, it’s easier to sit back and enjoy the ride. Don’t get it twisted, watching a team win or compete for a championship is a privilege, but there’s something special about supporting a feisty underdog.
The wins bring more joy when they come as a pleasant surprise.
Of course, the players aren’t just going out there and hoping they get lucky enough to win on any given night, but, as Brown said, they’ll have to work in order to maximize their potential. If they do, the fans will be right there with them for the ride.