This often-used phrase applies to more than its fair share of circumstances, so let's toss the Boston Celtics into the mix. Because in the 2024-25 season, with the Celtics defending their crown in search of banner number 19, 29 teams will be striving to dethrone the reigning champs.
It is safe to say the Celtics are up to the challenge.
Poised to make a title run in '24-25, Boston is aiming to become the first back-to-back champions since the Golden State Warriors did so in 2017 and 2018. Doing so will require a test of endurance and fortitude, but with most of their roster from last season in place, the Celtics stacked the odds in their favor.
Not going unnoticed is a team playing with a chip still on their shoulders, despite scaling the mountaintop to win the title last season.
Boston Celtics: Be the best, beat the best
Talk, online chatter mostly, during last season's title run often centered around Boston defeating teams who were less-than-full-strength during the playoffs. In Boston's wake were the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers, all who had key players out with injuries. Even when the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals, the refrain was the same.
The fact is, Boston still needed to execute and win those games and every series. Plus, the Celtics had their own star player's injury to worry about when Kristaps Porzingis was lost in the first round. Porzingis, who later returned for limited minutes in the Finals, played near an All-Star level in '23-24.
It was the growth of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, however, that helped Boston take the next step. This dynamic duo upped their game while learning to take a step back and hand over the reins to others when needed. In becoming leaders, Tatum and Brown helped the Celtics flourish.
Tatum had a busy offseason as he headed to the Summer Olympics with Team USA. Controversy followed, where Tatum didn't even see action in two games. Now, I think this is being overblown, and am thankful some wear and tear was saved on Tatum playing extended minutes abroad. I am sure Tatum wished for more playing time, and maybe he will play with extra gusto when Boston plays the Warriors, but to me, less minutes then means more now.
Not named to the Olympic team, Brown carries a perceived slight too. And judging by Brown's offseason workouts, he is on a mission to up his game even more.
Joining Tatum and Brown is an entire roster of familiar faces, plus two exciting rookies who the Celtics can take their time in developing.
Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are stars in their own right and the bench returns the likes of Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard. The latter two are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a solidly deep bench.
All this sounds like a perfect recipe to repeat as champions, though possible weaknesses loom.
Possible weaknesses for Celtics in '24-25
Highlighted at the forefront is age and health concerns at the center position. Al Horford, even at 38 years old, brings plenty to the court. And Porzingis, who won't return until likely December, injuries in his career are well-documented.
Even if there is drop-off with these two, and I expect it will happen, Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and Xavier Tillman are ready to step in. Valuable minutes from these three will go a long way plugging the gap.
It was the play of the big men that put Boston over the edge last season, allowing the Celtics to succeed where previous incarnations failed.
Last season, head coach Joe Mazzulla managed minutes among Porzingis and Horford, and his starters, relatively well. The goal will be to take that even further this season and perhaps get more creative with some of the younger players to see time on the court. Last season's deep playoff run, and minutes by three key players at the Olympics, added mileage to the tires and could be a perceived weakness in '24-25.
Boston's title defense begins on October 22, hosting the New York Knicks, followed by two road games at Washington (10/24) and Detroit (10/26).
The Celtics have work to do but built to stand tall. And with it, a fantastic chance to secure banner number 19 next summer.
image credit: Flickr
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