The Celtics travel to Milwaukee on Monday to take on the Bucks in the second night of a back-to-back. The Bucks are battling to sneak into the top 10 in the East and find their way to a spot in the play-in tournament, with hopes to salvage their season. They’re currently in 11th place at 26-33, but they’ve still got a ways to go to catch the Hornes, who sit in 10th at 30-31.
The biggest injury intrigue with an Eastern Conference superstar has revolved around Jayson Tatum in Boston, but not far behind has been whatever is playing out with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.
Just a few short years ago, the Celtics and Bucks were battling it out in the East semifinals, in what looked like a potential playoff rivalry for years to come. Instead, everything has gone south in Milwaukee. They’ve made one desperate move after another, trying to stay relevant and keep Giannis happy.
But just about everything they’ve done has backfired, and now they’re left with a depleted, expensive roster; they’re short on assets, and the roster has no hopes of competing around their superstar.
Giannis injury has completely derailed Bucks’ season
They hoped to be able to compete this season with the idea that the East was weak and they had the best player in the conference. If they could just make the dance, they’d have a shot. But instead, Giannis has battled calf and hamstring issues.
Without the Greek Freak in the lineup, they’ve fallen off a cliff, and thus, they are still behind every team in the East that isn’t tanking. It has been quite a fall from grace, and it’s a good reminder of how lucky Celtics fans have it.Â
Regardless of injuries, player movement, and other unforeseen circumstances, the Celtics have been a playoff team every time but once since 2007, when they traded for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Since Brad Stevens has joined the organization, and since Joe Mazzulla has taken over as coach, especially, this team gets the most out of its players and finds ways to be relevant.
Celtics stay winning thanks to infrastructure
Just look at this season. The Celtics lost two starters and two key bench players to trades and free agency in the offseason, plus, of course, a torn achilles for their superstar, Tatum. Many assumed it would be a soft rebuild, a gap year, and an opportunity to tank for another pick.
Instead, the team has changed its identity and style and become a borderline juggernaut in the East. They’ve turned unknown commodities into reliable role players, reliable role players into stars, and stars into superstars.
It’s a reflection on the organization, the foundation, and the infrastructure. And it’s a stark contrast from other teams around the league, like the Doc Rivers-led Bucks, who Celtics fans will see firsthand on Monday night. Don’t take it for granted.