Boston Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck started contemplating changes to the team’s lineup during a pivotal moment in the East Finals when Jayson Tatum injured his ankle, ultimately leading to their season’s disappointing end. Although the Celtics are no strangers to deep playoff runs, their current core has yet to secure a championship, prompting Grousbeck to devise a plan during that critical Game 7.
After giving it thought during the second half of the game, Grousbeck finalized his ideas over the next two days and met with Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla. They collectively decided that maintaining the same team was not an option. Consequently, the Celtics underwent significant transformations during the summer, with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown remaining as the franchise’s main figures. Notable acquisitions, such as Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, raised the team’s talent level, possibly making the Celtics one of the league’s top teams with their impressive top six players.
However, this overhaul required saying goodbye to long-time Celtics players like Marcus Smart, Robert Williams III, Grant Williams, and the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon, as part of the Holiday trade. The front office and ownership took substantial risks, both in terms of player changes and financial investments, to strengthen the current core.
Now, the Celtics are poised to showcase their potential in the upcoming season, starting with the season opener against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. While the regular season is essential, the team’s success will be primarily judged based on their performance in the playoffs. Grousbeck emphasized the need for a fresh approach after seasons marked by inconsistency, and the changes made over the summer aim to bring that much-needed freshness to the team’s dynamic. The anticipation for the season ahead is high.
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