After seeing the Celtics dominate with a 16-3 run to win the NBA championship, teams in the East knew they needed to step up their game.
Big Moves in the East:
The Sixers kicked things off by adding Paul George, creating a new Big Three with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Not wanting to be left behind, the Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges, giving up a mountain of draft picks. Even the Magic got in on the action by signing two-time champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
But that wasn’t all for the Knicks. They made waves again last week by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, addressing their need for a strong center and preparing to counter Bostonโs big men Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.
Celtics’ Response:
During a preseason practice on Sunday, head coach Joe Mazzulla commented on these moves. “All teams are trying to make roster moves to get better,” he said via Justin Turpin of WEEI. “Karl-Anthony Towns is a great player and they are a great team. We’ve gotta focus on us and we’ve gotta get better every day.”
Horford also spoke highly of Towns: “Karl is a great player,” he said via Noa Dalzell of CLNS Media. “It’s going to be good for them. He does a lot of things on the floor.”
Upcoming Season Excitement:
Oddsmakers predict that the Celtics and Knicks could face off in the Eastern Conference Finals for a spot in the 2025 NBA Finals. Their opening-night game might set an early tone for both teams, especially since Boston will likely miss Porzingis due to injury.
Fans can’t wait for this showdown!
Meanwhile, before hosting the Sixers on October 12th, the Celtics will head to Abu Dhabi for preseason games against the Nuggets. Coach Mazzulla is happy with how his team is training but wants them to avoid getting too comfortable after last season’s success.
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