Here are the Celtics’ biggest X-factors for 2023-24 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Expectations are sky-high for the Boston Celtics heading into the 2023-24 NBA season. With Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis joining the star tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the C’s are championship favorites with arguably the best top-six in the league.
Even with a loaded roster, there are X-factors that could make or break Boston’s chances of winning a title. Obviously, Tatum and Brown will be counted on to lead the way. As for Holiday, there’s little doubt he will bring consistent scoring to go along with his All-Defensive talents. You pretty much know what you’re getting out of those three players.
So, who are the Celtics’ X-factors for the new campaign? Here are the players who have a wider range of potential outcomes and could determine whether Boston brings Banner 18 to TD Garden next summer.
Kristaps Porzingis
Porzingis would be the No. 1 on a number of teams, but he’s content with being the No. 3 option behind Tatum and Brown. In fact, he already appears to be thriving in that role.
The 7-foot-3 big man, acquired in the blockbuster three-way deal involving Marcus Smart in June, has shined on both ends of the floor in the preseason. With defenses focused on the Jays, Porzingis has taken advantage of wide-open looks and gone 8-for-13 from 3-point range through three games. He has also done his part as a rim protector with three blocks.
The Celtics already boasted one of the league’s top offenses prior to Porzingis’ arrival. Now that “The Unicorn” is in the mix, this starting lineup will be virtually impossible to stop. The one thing that can spoil the fun, however, is an untimely injury.
Porzingis is the Celtics’ No. 1 X-factor not only because of his talent, but also his injury history and Boston’s lack of frontcourt depth. His 65 games played last season marked his highest total since 2016-17. He already had a brief injury scare over the summer when he missed the FIBA World Cup due to plantar fasciitis.
After sending Robert Williams III to Portland in the Jrue Holiday trade, the C’s are left with…
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