NBA
The Celtics and the search for a lost culture
The Celtics part ways with a cornerstone team member, acquire Porzingis, and persist with the Jays duo. The once-historic team is holding onto a very thin line
The current situation of the Celtics is far from their own history. The 17 championships are now just a distant memory, a collection of titles in black and white, with only one victory in the last 38 years. It has been long since Larry Bird led the team to their third championship of the 1980s. Since then, neither Bird nor the Celtics have been able to replicate their success, partly due to Bird’s early retirement caused by persistent back problems. This led to the beginning of a vast, endless wasteland that continues to be a constant challenge, always tangled in competitiveness but lacking championship rings.
From the absence of playoffs in the early years post-Bird (six consecutive seasons between 1996 and 2001) to always making it to the postseason without the ultimate prize. They used to conquer championships season after season, but now that glory seems uncomfortably absent.
Related: The Celtics and the search for a lost culture
In 2008, the Celtics experienced their last major success, winning a championship led by a luxury big three and a victory against the Lakers. Their eternal rival, the Lakers, has won six titles in the 21st century, equaling the Celtics at the top of the ranking. However, this prolonged rivalry hasn’t translated into more victories for the Celtics. Success has eluded them since the Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen project concluded. Rajon Rondo was the last remaining player from that era, but the team started a slow rebuilding process, always following the long-term approach led by Danny Ainge, who inherited the ideas and cultural power from Red Auerbach, the legendary figure associated with the Celtics.
Ainge’s persistence in maintaining the status quo led to his departure. After stepping down from coaching, Brad Stevens assumed a role in the front office amid rumors of discord with players. Ime Udoka came in as the coach but didn’t achieve the desired results in the first Finals appearance for the team since 2010. The inherited roster has flaws, lacks crucial pieces, and struggles to make a significant impact. They seem to be missing a key element that could push their team forward. Even with some minor moves, the team hasn’t been able to infuse enough air to take that final step. The Celtics are learning that winning in the NBA is never easy.
How Smart’s departure has affected the Celtics
The good news is Boston seems determined to persist with their current approach, except for the recent departure of Marcus Smart. His departure represents a significant cultural loss for the team, as he embodied the fighting spirit, passion, and toughness that have always been associated with Celtics fans. We have to keep in mind, though, that the changing demographic of fans attending games at the Garden, driven by higher ticket prices, is also influencing the team’s dynamics.
The team continues to hold on to their two stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, both immensely talented and capable of All-Star performances, but they have struggled with inconsistency, and their performances in crucial moments have been criticized. The Celtics are still contenders, making nine consecutive playoff appearances since the start of the project, reaching five Conference Finals and one Finals appearance. However, they haven’t been able to secure the championship they desire so much.
As time ticks away, the Celtics need to find the missing piece to achieve that elusive goal. The NBA waits for no one, not even for a historic franchise like the Celtics with their 17 championship rings. The present situation seems far from the glorious past, and while opportunities might be running out, the clock is ticking, and the pressure to succeed is mounting.