To those on the outside, this season might have seemed like a rebuilding year for the Boston Celtics. But as Sam Cassell recently pointed out, the team had different plans. Inside the organization, there was a strong belief in their potential.
Al Horford, a veteran presence who's witnessed Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's growth, from a tough Finals loss to reaching the NBA's pinnacle, wasn't surprised by the Celtics' impressive season. He attributes much of their success to the work of Joe Mazzulla and his coaching staff.
"The biggest thing is that everybody's bought into what Joe is telling them, and he's just running a really good program over there," Horford shared. "Him and all those assistant coaches, they're really doing a good job getting the guys ready, getting them to commit and play at a high level, and that's why I feel like it's so smooth."
Kristaps Porzingis, who spent two years with the Celtics, echoed this sentiment. Despite external doubts, he always believed in the team's potential. He emphasized the strong culture that persists, even when key players are out.
"Like everybody, I thought, like, a little bit less expectations, not gonna be that good this year," Porzingis admitted. "But I never thought that. Even in our years, whenever somebody was out, it's like the culture that they already have there, it's not gonna just disappear."
The Celtics have shown the power of an elite infrastructure. Returning from the All-Star break, they sit second in the Eastern Conference. They recently dominated the Golden State Warriors with a 121-110 victory, leading by as much as 34 points.
Boston's resilience and depth make them a formidable contender in the East. With Jayson Tatum working tirelessly on his rehab, the team's championship hopes remain strong. Their success underscores the strength of a culture that not only withstands challenges but thrives in them, keeping the Celtics in the championship conversation.