Celtics' Complete 2022-23 Season Preview and Predictions

The stage was set for the Boston Celtics to enter the 2022-23 NBA season on a dead sprint.

They're merely a few months removed from a Finals trip, and they still found ways to make major additions this offseason.

It's been quite a bumpy ride over the last month, though. First, Danilo Gallinari—one of those key summer adds—went down with a torn ACL. Then, starting center Robert Williams III was lost to his latest knee surgery, this one costing him at least a month-plus of the regular season. Finally, head coach Ime Udoka was suspended for the season, moving the unproven Joe Mazzulla into the top sideline seat.

The Celtics still appear as one of this campaign's elites, but could this turbulence throw everything off course?

Offseason Recap

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BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: Malcolm Brogdon #13 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 2, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics didn't have many roster holes to fill this summer, but they still made an aggressive move for Malcolm Brogdon.

On paper, the fit looks tremendous. Boston needed another ball-mover, plus additional shot-creation and scoring. The 29-year-old checks all of those boxes, plus he's a reliable defender who offers a decent amount of versatility on that end.

There's a universe in which Brogdon finishes this season as the most important Shamrock not named Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown.

Gallinari's injury is, objectively speaking, a bummer. He would have been another perfect fit as a 6'10" sharpshooter. His injury, seemingly, all but ensures a major role expansion is coming for Sam Hauser.

Late in the offseason, Boston also added Blake Griffin. His name recognition might warrant an earlier mention here, but the 33-year-old has apparently lost several steps to aging and injuries.

Biggest Question

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CANTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait on September 26, 2022 at High Output Studios in Canton, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Will they make the most of their most critical possessions?

Prior to Boston's midseason turnaround, the Celtics had some really rough moments of stagnant offense and limited options on the offensive menu. While many things improved over the course of the campaign, those issues didn't completely disappear.

For the season, Boston ranked 26th in offensive efficiency during clutch situations, per NBA.com. Its late-game output fell even further during the postseason (from 97.7 points per 100 possessions to 89.1), as the club suffered from everything from predictability and a lack of depth to loose ball-handling and turnover problems.

That's why the front office felt the need to get Brogdon, and it'll help being able to diversify things a bit. Still, the biggest possessions will run through Tatum and Brown, so it's on the star wings to execute when it matters most.

Prediction

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BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: Jayson Tatum #0 and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla of the Boston Celtics look on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 2, 2022 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Celtics look like one of three best teams in the Eastern Conference, a distinction they share with the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks.

However, it's unclear whether Boston can rise above the other two. It's also not outside the realm of possibility that someone from the next tier exceeds expectations and further crowds things at the top.

The Celtics can absolutely win a championship, but it's far too early to marry oneself to that prediction. Not without knowing: Williams' health, Mazzulla's management, the Jays' execution, Brogdon's ability to stay on the floor (46 games missed last season) and which, if any, of the young players step up.

Securing a playoff spot won't be a challenge. Easing into the second round shouldn't be, either. Anything beyond that, though, is up in the air.