BOSTON – Who knows if it happens, but the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors will be good enough to return to the NBA Finals next season.
Regardless, they will have an impact in the Eastern and Western conference standings.
But don’t expect either team to maintain the status quo.
The Celtics need improvements internally and externally, and Warriors GM Bob Myers has shown a penchant for tinkering with the roster.
The way both conferences are getting deeper and tougher, especially the West, getting back to the Finals is not a given. The last team to make consecutive Finals appearances was Golden State in 2018 and 2019.
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Celtics seeking consistency
The East should be strong at the top again next season with Milwaukee, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Miami. The Celtics should be right there. They are in solid shape with players, salary, coaching staff, front office and resources.
President of basketball operations Brad Stevens and Coach Ime Udoka proved themselves more than capable in their first season in their new roles. Stevens hired Udoka, traded for Al Horford in the offseason and for Derrick White at the February trade deadline.
Former Boston president of basketball ops Danny Ainge had a significant role in shaping this team, but Stevens is responsible for the development of players during his term as coach (Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Grant Williams and Robert Williams). He has an influential imprint.
So what next for Boston? What elevates the Celtics to the next level?
More than any major roster moves, the Celtics need consistency. Their offense had highs and too many lows against Golden State. Part of that can be rectified with improvement from players already on the roster.
Some of that comes with age and experience. Tatum and Brown have entered a portion of their careers where that inconsistency (in the name of turnovers) should dissipate. Unlocking defensive puzzles and decision-making should come easier next season.
There are no significant contract issues facing the Celtics. All key players (Tatum, Brown, Smart, Horford, White, Robert Williams, Grant Williams and Payton Pritchard) are under contract for next season. But Brown can sign an extension,…