Ranking all 30 teams in the NBA: Where do the Boston Celtics rank?
By Ray Petree
TIER 1: CONTENDERS
No. 7: Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers have retooled their roster, centered around the immense talents of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid; adding Paul George, Eric Gordon, Andre Drummond, and Caleb Martin.
The question on everyone’s mind is whether or not Joel Embiid will be healthy when it matters most. If he is, there’s no doubt that Daryl Morey has added the supplementary pieces necessary for this team to compete at the highest level.
No. 6: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks took the NBA by storm last season, becoming the biggest box office attraction in professional basketball. Jalen Brunson took yet another leap, becoming arguably the NBA’s best point guard.
Were it not for significant injuries, it’s possible that the Knicks would have been in the Eastern Conference Finals in the Pacers’ stead. Now, the team’s managed to re-sign OG Anunoby and acquire Mikal Bridges.
Even if it was at the expense of losing Hartenstein, the Knicks look significantly better. The x-factor is Julius Randle. If he’s able to flourish in this unique Nova-Knicks dynamic, than the Knicks will be a difficult team to overcome.
No. 5: Denver Nuggets
The 2022-23 NBA Champions lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and, thus far, have failed to add anyone with enough size to competently relieve the reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic.
If the Nuggets want to experience sustained excellence, they’ll need more from Michael “Never Swing the Rock” Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray. As well as major improvement from their bench, notably Christian Braun and Peyton Watson.
No. 4: Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards was a revelation in the 2023-24 postseason. The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the league’s brightest stars — regardless of age or position.
There’s a perfect storm brewing in Minnesota. The addition of Rob Dillingham, the ascension of Edwards, and another year that this core will have spent together sounds like a winning formula.
No. 3: Dallas Mavericks
The Western Conference Champions lost Derrick Jones Jr, but gained Klay Thompson. Is this finally the best-scoring backcourt of all time? I’m looking at you, Stephen A. Smith. More importantly, there’s Derrick Lively III, who is poised to take a sizable leap in 2024-25 after such an incredible postseason.
I love the pace that the Mavericks play with. Once again, I go back to my belief in the importance of continuity. Can Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, Derrick Lively III, and Daniel Gafford improve with more time? I think so.
No. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder
The best of the west managed to get better this offseason, trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso and acquiring Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. Then, you factor in Jalen Williams (the good one) and Chet Holmgren, both of which are extremely young, and bound to improve dramatically.
I can confidently say that I expect the Thunder to win around 65 games next season and for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to be the league’s MVP.
No. 1: Boston Celtics
The reigning, defending champions are poised to make another run at the title in 2024-25 — having successfully retained their core this offseason.
For now, the Celtics remain atop the proverbial mountain with the belts around their waist.