The Boston Celtics have undoubtedly been the team to beat during the 2023-24 NBA season, boasting the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference and clinching the best record in the league well before the regular season draws to a close. With only three games left on their schedule, the Celtics are carefully managing their roster to ensure their key players are in peak condition for the upcoming playoffs.
While their consistent success has been a testament to their talent and cohesion as a team, even the most dominant squads face setbacks along the way. The Celtics have encountered a few surprising losses, including a shocking pair of defeats at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks, where they inexplicably squandered a massive 30-point lead.
However, amidst their stellar performance on the court, analysts Bobby Manning and Josue Pavon have pinpointed a potential misstep in the season – a trade made by general manager Brad Stevens ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. As the Celtics faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers over the weekend, they were confronted with the aftermath of sending Dalano Banton to Portland in exchange for cash considerations and a trade exception.
Former Celtic player Banton has thrived with the Trail Blazers, averaging an impressive 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 28.5 minutes per game. His success with Portland serves as a stark reminder to the Celtics of what they may have given up in the trade. While it may not be a deal-breaker for the team, the analysts emphasize that it could have been a valuable addition to their roster as they gear up for the playoffs.
As the Celtics reflect on their historic regular season performance, the trade involving Banton stands out as a learning opportunity for the team and management moving forward.While their continued dominance on the court remains unquestioned, they can use this experience to fine-tune their strategy in future transactions.
