The Celtics’ Quest for Dominance: Can Anyone Stop Boston’s Ascension?

As the NBA season rapidly approaches, the Boston Celtics have positioned themselves as the team to beat. It’s been five years since the league last witnessed a back-to-back champion — the Golden State Warriors in 2018. For the Celtics, this is an opportune moment to solidify their dynasty under the leadership of Brad Stevens. The former coach turned front-office mastermind has been meticulously crafting a team built for long-term success, and now, they are poised to dominate. But can anyone stop them? And if so, who?

Boston’s Setup for a Dynasty

Many have predicted greatness for the Celtics in recent years, but now, with four key players locked into multi-year contracts, Boston seems more prepared than ever. The core of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White remains intact. However, the offseason moves that brought in All-Stars like Kristaps Porziņģis and defensive ace Jrue Holiday have bolstered their roster significantly. With these key players secured for the next two seasons, the Celtics are in an enviable position. They ended last season as the No. 1 seed and lost only three games in the playoffs. Given their depth and talent, it seems like the Celtics are set to reign for years to come.

However, as dominant as Boston may seem, the NBA is notoriously unpredictable. While they aren’t invincible like the 2018 Warriors — a team stacked with multiple all-time greats — their top-tier talent is certainly capable of falling short, especially if they endure cold shooting stretches.

So, who can challenge them? Tatum himself predicts a rematch with the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. However, the road to the championship will not be an easy one.

Eastern Conference Contenders

Although the Celtics are favorites in the East, several teams are waiting in the wings to dethrone them.

New York Knicks: A Rising Force

The New York Knicks had their best season in two decades last year, boasting an All-NBA player in Jalen Brunson, impressive bench depth, and a promising young roster. They only fell short in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals due to injuries. This offseason, they strengthened further by re-signing Brunson and making a big trade for OG Anunoby, while also welcoming back Julius Randle from injury.

However, the Knicks have two glaring weaknesses that may prevent them from overtaking the Celtics. First, they lack a true superstar comparable to Tatum or Brown. They are built more like a “role player super team,” and while their players are better than mere role players, they aren’t at the level of Boston’s core. Second, they lost Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder, weakening their frontcourt depth — a critical loss in an Eastern Conference packed with dominant big men like Joel Embiid and Kristaps Porziņģis.

Milwaukee Bucks: A Tale of Two Teams

The Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing playoff run last year, largely due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury. While the Bucks’ regular season performance left them with a respectable defense, their offense ranked only 15th. The loss of Jrue Holiday in the offseason, following a trade for Damian Lillard, is a significant blow to their defense. While Dame undoubtedly enhances their scoring ability, Milwaukee’s once-elite defense dropped to a subpar 19th rank last season. With no offseason moves addressing their guard play, the Bucks are vulnerable, especially in a conference where strong guard play is essential.

Philadelphia 76ers: Paper Tigers?

The Philadelphia 76ers are another Eastern Conference team with potential. Last season, Tyrese Maxey took a significant leap, helping carry the team when Joel Embiid missed time. The Sixers replaced Tobias Harris’s large contract with a max deal for Paul George, who is a good fit on paper. However, the 76ers’ Achilles heel remains Embiid’s durability and lack of postseason success. Embiid has yet to lead his team past the second round, and recent injuries to both him and George raise doubts about their ability to make a deep playoff run. While their roster looks strong on paper, the Sixers need to prove they can get it done when it matters most.

Western Conference Powerhouses

If no one in the East can topple Boston, what about the Western Conference? Three teams, in particular, have a realistic shot.

Denver Nuggets: The Reigning Champions

The Denver Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, are still the team to beat in the West. They were dominant last season, with Jokić in his prime and surrounded by a talented supporting cast. While they lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the hope is that young guard Christian Braun can step up to fill the void. If Braun can play a significant role and the rest of the team stays healthy, the Nuggets could easily defend their title.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Building a Contender

The Oklahoma City Thunder have quietly assembled one of the most promising rosters in the NBA. After securing the No. 1 seed in the West last season, they had the best offseason in the conference, adding center Isaiah Hartenstein and defensive specialist Alex Caruso. The Thunder’s Achilles heel last year was rebounding, but Hartenstein’s presence inside should fix that. While Caruso’s 38% shooting from deep will provide spacing, OKC’s real question is whether they are ready to break through ahead of schedule. Still, they have all the pieces in place to challenge Boston.

Dallas Mavericks: Luka’s Last Stand?

According to Jayson Tatum, the Dallas Mavericks are Boston’s biggest threat. The Mavs’ defense last year was solid, holding the Celtics to an average of 102 points per game in the Finals. However, Luka Dončić’s supporting cast often faltered, with players like Kyrie Irving delivering inconsistent performances.

The Mavericks’ big offseason move was the acquisition of Klay Thompson. While Klay was once one of the league’s best shooters, his recent performance has been underwhelming, averaging just 18 points per game last season. Given his age and injury history, it’s uncertain whether Thompson can be the difference-maker Dallas needs to get over the hump.

Conclusion

As the 2024 NBA season approaches, the Boston Celtics appear poised to make a run at back-to-back championships. Their core is locked in, and their depth is unmatched. However, teams like the Knicks, Bucks, and 76ers in the East, and the Nuggets, Thunder, and Mavericks in the West, are all capable of challenging Boston’s supremacy. Whether any of them can pull off the upset remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the race for the title is wide open.