The Boston Celtics have long been one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, with a rich history and a roster brimming with talent. In recent seasons, however, questions have begun to surface about whether other teams in the NBA have caught up with—or even surpassed—the Celtics in terms of overall talent, depth, and championship potential. As the 2024 season progresses, the rivalry for supremacy in the Eastern Conference is as fierce as ever, but the Celtics’ dominance, which seemed inevitable just a few years ago, now appears increasingly uncertain.
The Celtics’ Recent Struggles
To understand the current landscape, it’s crucial to reflect on the Celtics’ recent performance. After making it to the NBA Finals in 2022, expectations were high for the team. The combination of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown—two of the most dynamic and versatile wings in the league—made Boston a heavy favorite to win the Eastern Conference and perhaps the championship itself in the years that followed. However, despite an impressive regular season record and the promise of their roster, the Celtics have failed to capture the ultimate prize.
In the 2023 playoffs, the Celtics were ousted in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Miami Heat, a team that was arguably weaker on paper but capitalized on Boston’s inconsistency and mental lapses. The series exposed some of Boston’s vulnerabilities, including the lack of a reliable secondary playmaker, inconsistent shooting from key players like Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon, and issues with team chemistry. Furthermore, there were questions about head coach Joe Mazzulla’s inexperience at the highest level of coaching.
Rising Competition in the East
While the Celtics have undeniably had one of the most talented rosters in recent years, the Eastern Conference has evolved rapidly, and several teams have emerged as serious contenders. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, have always been a threat, but with the addition of Damian Lillard in the 2023 offseason, they now have a dynamic backcourt that can match the Celtics’ star-studded wings. Lillard’s arrival in Milwaukee has given the Bucks a new dimension offensively, making them a more well-rounded and dangerous team.
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat, though not a superteam in the traditional sense, continue to overachieve under Erik Spoelstra’s guidance. Jimmy Butler has solidified his reputation as one of the most clutch players in the league, and the Heat’s unrelenting defense and culture of toughness make them a perennial threat. The Heat’s ability to find success with a more modest roster, relying on their team chemistry and playoff mentality, has been a model that the Celtics struggle to replicate.
Additionally, the Philadelphia 76ers, despite their tumultuous offseasons, are another team that could be closing in on Boston’s level. The James Harden trade drama aside, the Sixers remain a top-tier team with MVP candidate Joel Embiid, who can dominate both ends of the floor. Philadelphia has retooled with players like Tyrese Maxey, who continues to develop into a potent scoring threat, and the addition of veteran players who complement Embiid’s game.
A Changing of the Guard?
The question now is whether the Celtics’ time at the top of the Eastern Conference has passed. While Boston still has an excellent roster, including the star power of Tatum and Brown, their path to dominance now looks less certain in comparison to their competition. The Bucks, Heat, and 76ers each present unique challenges that could cause trouble for Boston in the postseason.
Tatum and Brown have undeniably taken their games to new heights in recent seasons, but the Celtics’ championship aspirations depend on more than just individual talent. The team needs to address key issues, particularly in terms of roster balance and the mental fortitude required in the postseason. The departure of veteran players like Marcus Smart (in a hypothetical trade) or the inability to retain core pieces could be a serious blow to the team’s overall chemistry and grit.
Meanwhile, the Celtics’ new additions, like Kristaps Porzingis, have shown flashes of brilliance, but they need to fully integrate into the system. If Porzingis can stay healthy and provide consistent scoring and rim protection, the Celtics could regain their position as favorites, but relying on the fragile health of their big men has always been a gamble.
Coaching and Leadership
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of this debate is the Celtics’ coaching situation. Joe Mazzulla, though talented, lacks the deep playoff experience of some of his counterparts, such as Miami’s Erik Spoelstra or the Bucks’ Mike Budenholzer. It’s not just about strategy—it’s about leading a team through the highs and lows of a grueling postseason. The Celtics have often looked disjointed under Mazzulla’s leadership, particularly in high-pressure situations, and if they fail to execute in key moments again this season, the blame may shift squarely to the coaching staff.
Conclusion
In short, while the Boston Celtics remain one of the NBA’s top teams, the narrative that they are unquestionably the best in the Eastern Conference is no longer as clear-cut. The Bucks, Heat, and 76ers, each with their own star power and unique strengths, have not just caught up—they may have surpassed the Celtics in certain areas. For Boston to reclaim its status as a true championship contender, they’ll need to overcome the competition’s growing strengths and their own internal challenges. The East is no longer a one-team race, and for the Celtics, that might be their biggest obstacle in their quest for another title.
