At this time last year, the discourse surrounding the Boston Celtics was whether they could parlay their 2024 championship into the start of the NBA's next dynasty. Fast forward, and the tenor of the conversations about the franchise is dramatically different.
After consecutive campaigns over the second apron, a punitive collective bargaining agreement forces the organization to reset. Adding to the incentive to make gaining flexibility a priority is Jayson Tatum's Achilles tendon tear.
With the front office understanding what this offseason required, Brad Stevens was open to discussing the direction the team was heading with those on the roster and coaching staff.
"We were very forthright with everybody, Stevens told Jay King of The Athletic. "We tried to be as proactive (as possible), communicating that, 'Hey, these things are gonna happen. We're gonna bring in young, hungry, maybe unproven, maybe a little scarred, but high-character people that are gonna play hard, that want to be a part of something special.'"
What the Celtics prioritized this offseason
The Celtics place a premium on the character of the individuals they bring into their organization -- rightfully so. They diligently nurture the work environment they've cultivated. There is no room for someone who might detract from that.
Contending for a championship brings immense pressure. Taking a step back from title contention would bring forth its own mental obstacles. Should that happen, as many are anticipating, it's paramount that those on the inside, whether in the locker room, coaching staff, or front office, maintain the standards established long ago, and the joy of the journey still exists.
The Celtics are suffering critical losses on that front. Gone is a stalwart in Al Horford. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet have also departed.
Those aren't just high-character individuals who left; they're also highly intelligent players. Boston's new additions had to help address that.
"To me, that's like the most important thing in the world is to be surrounded by people like that," shared Stevens, "and to have people like that on your team. But that just shows you the significance of these aprons in the CBA. That tells you how significant those things are."
The Celtics are optimistic that a group of newcomers featuring Anfernee Simons, Josh Minott, Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and first-round draft pick Hugo Gonzalez will help fill that void while making this a grittier iteration of the team.
It's a group eager to prove themselves, arriving in Boston with a chance to carve out their place in the league. That hunger will help drive the Celtics as they navigate whatever this season has in store for them.