HOW BOSTON BUILT THEIR ROSTER

The Boston Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, with 17 championships and a reputation for excellence that stretches back over six decades. The team has undergone a number of changes over the years, but its commitment to success and the development of young talent has remained constant. In recent years, the Celtics have continued to build a competitive roster through astute draft picks, shrewd trades, and strategic signings.

One of the keys to the Celtics' success has been their ability to develop young players. The team has a long history of grooming talented prospects into star players, and the current roster is no exception. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart are just a few of the young players who have flourished under the tutelage of coach Brad Stevens, then Ime Udoka, and finally Joe Mazzulla. Tatum, in particular, has emerged as a bona fide superstar in his fourth NBA season, averaging over 30 points per game and earning All-Star MVP and a regular season MVP race.

The Celtics have also made smart moves in the draft, acquiring promising players like Robert Williams III and Payton Pritchard in recent years. Williams, a dynamic center with exceptional athleticism, has shown flashes of brilliance in limited minutes, while Pritchard has emerged as a reliable backup point guard with a deft shooting touch. The team's commitment to the roster has been seen in the pure depth of the team since acquiring Malcolm Brogdon from the Indiana Pacers last summer. Brogdon has been one of many key players the organization has traded for, including Derrick White and Mike Muscala in the 2021 and 2023 trade deadlines, and Blake Griffin last summer in the off-season.

Of course, not every move has been a home run for the Celtics. The team parted ways with fan favorite and offensive stalwart Denzel Valentine, a decision that was met with some criticism.

"He was my best friend" - Says local fan, Emil Grabowski, in an interview conducted at the start of the season.

Looking ahead, the Celtics have a bright future with a talented core of young players and an experienced coaching staff. With Tatum and Brown leading the way, and a supporting cast that includes Smart, Walker, and Fournier, the team has the potential to compete at the highest level for years to come. The Celtics' commitment to player development, savvy drafting, and bold moves to improve the roster make them a team to watch in the coming seasons.