The Boston Celtics were last seen walking off their court with the Golden State Warriors celebrating the NBA Championship win in the TD Garden. Now, they will take the same court in the season opener tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers. Before getting into a season preview, let’s recap the offseason for the Celtics.
Additions and Losses Via Trade And Free Agency
Brad Stevens made some big moves this offseason to help the depth of the Celtics. Without having to give up any big names, Stevens made the reigning Eastern Conference champions better.
July 9th, 2022: Acquired Malcolm Brogdon via trade. Celtics sent back Daniel Theis, Aaron Nesmith, Malik Fitts, Juwan Morgan, Nik Stauskas, and a 2023 first-round pick. Brogdon adds a true floor general from the bench and great scoring when healthy.
Next, the Celtics resigned Luke Kornet and Sam Hauser.
July 12th, 2022: Danilo Gallinari signed with the Boston Celtics, but unfortunately, Gallinari tore his ACL playing for his home country during the Summer. Gallinari is hard at work every day to return.
September 20th, 2022: Celtics waive Bruno Caboclo.
September 30th, 2022: Celtics waive Denzel Valentine.
October 3rd, 2022: Celtics sign Blake Griffin to a one-year fully-guaranteed contract.
October 10th-15th, 2022: Celtics waive Luka Samanic, A.J. Reeves, Brodric Thomas, Reginald Kissoonlal, Eric Demers, and Jake Layman.
NBA Draft
With only one selection in the NBA draft, this was not marked on many calendars among Celtics fans. However, the team still had to draft a player and they got a good bank for their buck. At the 53rd pick in the draft, the Boston Celtics selected JD Davison, a guard out of Alabama.
Opening Day Roster
Not much has changed with the core, but there are some new faces.
Guards: Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Malcolm Brogdon, Payton Pritchard, and JD Davison.
Forwards: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Blake Griffin, Grant Williams, Danilo Gallinari, and Sam Hauser.
Centers: Robert Williams, Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Mfiondu Kabengele.
Not a player, but Joe Mazzulla will fill in for the suspended Ime Udoka.
Season Predictions
The Celtics have the ninth-easiest schedule based on last season’s records, but it’s a new season. Luckily, this team is better than most of these teams. With opening night against the 76ers and Christmas against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics will have all eyes on them in the East.
Record Prediction: Vegas has Boston at 53.5 wins. The Celtics will overachieve and rack up a 55-27 record. However, this will land them behind the 58-win Bucks in the standings. The Celtics will have the second seed once again.
Playoff Prediction: The Boston Celtics will defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games. Tatum will receive the Finals MVP.
Final Thoughts Before Tip
It’s been a long offseason, but the NBA is finally back. Belly Up wishes every team a healthy season and may the best team win!
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