After defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics basked in the joy of victory with the Larry O’Brien trophy. Jayson Tatum shined brightly, scoring 31 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists, leading the team to the championship. For Tatum and his teammates, this was a career-defining moment, proving that the duo of Tatum and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown could lead the Celtics to glory.
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However, the Celtics’ joy lasted only 12 days. On June 30, while Brad Stevens, the president of basketball operations, was discussing record-breaking contracts with Tatum and Derrick White, he received a call from Wyc Grousbeck, the team’s owner. Grousbeck announced his plan to sell control of the team, putting Stevens in a position where he had to face an uncertain future while building an expensive roster.
The challenges didn’t stop there. Jaylen Brown, who had just won the Finals MVP, was not selected for the U.S. Olympic team, giving way to White. Brown expressed his frustration on social media, stirring public concern. Meanwhile, Tatum was also benched in some games for the U.S. team, a shocking decision that affected his mindset.
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Moreover, the Celtics had to contend with the injury of Kristaps Porzingis, who will be absent for the first few months of the season. The absence of Porzingis adds immense pressure on the team, particularly on Al Horford, who will have to fill the center role while waiting for Porzingis’s recovery.
Stevens and the team knew they couldn’t let these issues weaken their spirits. He shared, “We have a great team and are striving for the championship. Despite the difficulties, we will overcome them.”
The Boston Celtics are heading into a tumultuous season, balancing between maintaining their champion status and dealing with internal challenges. Although their honeymoon period ended abruptly, the Celtics remain determined to continue their success story, affirming their place in the NBA.
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