Celtics knew how good they could be all along

Boston Celtics

Gap year. It sure seemed that way, especially when things didn’t start out so well.

By Chad Finn

April 17, 2026 | 1:01 pm

4 minutes to read

I’ve got them for 44 wins and play. You?

Be honest now. Except for random eternally optimistic fanatics, the only people who thought so Celtics Can get close this – Winning 56 matches, Obtaining the second seed in the Eastern Conferenceand Having a small but legitimate chance of collecting Banner 19 Come June – they are the ones who went out and made it happen.

After all, the Celtics were coming off a season that ended with Losing six games to the Knicks in the second rounda series in which they lost a lot.

Superstar Jayson Tatum suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 5 while lunging for the ball. Their hopes of repeating as champions ended in a painful upset, and it looked like their chances of winning the title in the near future were also over.

Suddenly, the recurring term for the holiday season became “gap year.” With Tatum certain to be sidelined for several months, if not the entire season, Celtics management took the logical step of resetting the luxury tax repeat penalties, which meant resetting part of the roster.

Al Horford, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Cornette – important and beloved members of the 24 Champions – are gone. Coming aboard are the less accomplished Anfernee Simmons, Luka Garza, Josh Minot and 19-year-old Hugo Gonzalez.

Gap year. It sure seemed that way, especially when things didn’t start out so well. The Celtics lost their first three games, Including an opening night loss to the 76ers As they blew a late 9-point lead and rookie VJ Edgecombe dropped 34 points on their heads in his NBA debut.

Those first three games? Who knew then that they would hit the low point, and that most of the issues that plagued the Celtics early on — especially rebounding — would become strengths?

Which brings us back to the people who went out and made it happen.

Among them are President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, Who is certainly appreciated for his exceptional work In finding the perfect, often unknown players to fit into the Celtics’ tight-knit team culture, they are nonetheless somewhat underrated given how difficult it is to build and maintain a competitive roster.

Remember this offseason, when it comes: When Stevens signs a player, try to figure out what the front office likes about him and how he might fit with him. Because there’s an excellent chance this player will become a fan favorite before you know it. Even Simmons and Minot, both of whom play elsewhere now, have won over Celtics fans during their time here, Especially the former.

Other people who believed? Among them, of course, was coach Joe Mazzola, who was enthusiastic with his endearing antics when given the opportunity to silence doubters. Derrick White told a story on his podcast “White Noise” about Mazzola calling him over the summer, wishing him a happy birthday, and telling him that “everyone thinks we’re going to do it.” [stink]”, and immediately hung up.

Mazzola may not want the Coach of the Year awardbut it would have been better to win the thing. One of the Celtics’ superpowers is how every player on the bench — from Garza to Jordan Walsh to Ron Harper Jr. — is ready for their opportunity, even if they haven’t seen meaningful minutes in a few games, or even weeks. Having players ready and willing to contribute – or even thrive – when their moment comes is the ultimate reflection of a coach.

One of the reasons Mazzola avoids personal accolades is that he truly believes the credit should go to his players, because they are the ones doing the work on the ground. There’s no Celtic more deserving of praise than Jaylen Brown, who relished the opportunity to prove he could be the leading man in a satisfying basketball story. Brown is averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists, although he will not achieve those goals. Repeated “MVP!” Cheers at TD GardenHe deserves more than the first team in the NBA.

Brown has had plenty of support from Quintessential Celtic Derrick White — that’s his legal name now, I’ve confirmed — as well as Payton Pritchard, who has risen to the level of a scoring threat to the point of being unstoppable at times. Tatum returned on March 6, and while some of his strength has not returned yet, He basically looked like himselfWhich seems like a miracle, but it is a tribute to science and its hard work. His rebounding and passing were exceptional.

Amazing Neemias Queta improved to an above average starting position — one who has developed much better awareness on both ends of the court — is on the short list of the most important plot twists this season. And who saw Baylor Sherman becoming the entertaining and effective Swiss Army Knife of the roleplayer?

I mean besides those who put this team together, coached it, and played for it.

Almost any result this postseason is reasonable, and I mean that mostly in the positive sense. The Sixers could have a problem in the first round if Tyrese Maxey is out, but it’s not worth sweating now. A matchup with the Knicks in the second round will go the distanceBut I like the Celtics’ chances of avenging last year’s result.

The Celtics can definitely make it to the Finals. I think they will, and at least they shouldn’t be underestimated against the winner from the West.

The Celtics are fun to watch, and they’re a really great team. They proved that from Game 4 onwards.

How good are they? You and I are about to find out.

The Celtics themselves? They already know. They seem to have it all the time.