The Boston Celtics have enjoyed a strong start to the season. Currently, they are second in the Eastern Conference with an 18-4 record. Although it’s been a good start, I’ll be honest and say I’m disappointed they didn’t advance to the knockout stages of the NBA Cup.
Listen, I understand some old-school basketball fans may not like the NBA Cup, but a lot of the same people have been complaining about the league being “boring.”
I’m sorry, but you can’t have it both ways.
As a big soccer fan, especially the Premier League, each team is fighting for three trophies in a season – sometimes more if you’re playing in European competitions. The way soccer is in England, if you’re not one of the traditional “Big 6” clubs, the chances of you winning the league are highly unlikely. That’s why these other competitions are great for other teams to have a chance.
Now, bring that concept to the NBA, and I think it’s great. In the past, teams have been known to tank, but now, there is great incentive for every team to quote-on-quote “try” during the NBA Cup.
You get a trophy for winning and each player on the roster gets a check for $500,000. I know the courts are crazy and, at times, a bit of an eye sore, but the NBA is trying to make it more fun and exciting. I can’t hate it, because they’re trying to grow the game.
The NBA Cup makes the regular season a bit more interesting. I agree the season could maybe be shortened to 62 games and I do think it’s bound to happen once the NBA expands to 32 teams. Either way, the NBA Cup is here to stay and I’m all for it.
Back to Boston.
Yes, I’m upset we didn’t make it past the group stages. However, the team is starting to find its groove. With Kristaps Porzingis making a surprise return in November – when all the rumors were saying he’d be out until mid-to-late December – he gives the team an extra boost.
Through four games, KP has averaged 21 points, 7.8 rebounds, and one block per game, and his impact has been felt throughout the roster. He’s a difference-maker and we saw it throughout the playoffs last season. Although he barely got to play in the Finals, the goal is to keep Porzingis healthy until the postseason and hope he can stay healthy for its entirety.
Jayson Tatum has been playing at an MVP level all season, averaging 28.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists to lead the team. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Thank you, Steve Kerr.
Kerr’s Olympic benching of Tatum has made him play like a man on fire to start the year. Although I’m sure he was already motivated to try and win another championship, this has just been great.
The Celtics have a big matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday and will look to close the gap on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are one game above the C’s in the standings.
Cup or no Cup, things are looking up for Boston.
