The Boston Celtics started the season with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over their heads. Jayson Tatum's injury and a subsequent roster shake-up left many doubting their playoff potential.
Fast forward to now, and the Celtics have silenced those doubts, sitting comfortably in second place in the Eastern Conference with a 36-19 record. The addition of Nikola Vucevic has only bolstered their standing.
In a surprising nod of approval, Blake Griffin recently highlighted the Celtics as the team with the fewest weaknesses in the East during an Amazon Prime segment. His sentiment was echoed by others, with Udonis Haslem praising Boston for having the best habits in the NBA. Rudy Gay also noted how Vucevic has addressed many of their previous challenges.
Vucevic, the Montenegrin powerhouse, has made an immediate impact in just three games, averaging 15.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. His ability to score inside and stretch the floor has been a game-changer for the Celtics.
Blake Griffin, when asked on @NBAonPrime which East team has the fewest weakness, points to the Celtics: “That might be the team with the least amount of questions.”
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) February 20, 2026
Udonis Haslem feels similarly: “To me, the Boston Celtics have the best habits of any team in the NBA.”
Rudy…
Coach Joe Mazzulla deserves his share of the spotlight too. Despite significant roster changes, he's maintained the team’s high-paced style, which continues to deliver results. Jaylen Brown is spearheading the offense with an impressive 29.3 points per game, and with Tatum possibly returning for the crucial stages of the season, the Celtics are shaping up as formidable title contenders.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, both averaging 17.2 points per game, have been key contributors, while Vucevic provides a reliable option inside, reducing the team’s reliance on perimeter shooting.
This revamped Celtics squad is proving that they’re not just surviving the challenges-they’re thriving, and they’re poised to make a significant impact as the season progresses.