When the Boston Celtics won their 18th championship in 2024, many people expected them to be the NBA's next dynasty, and it wasn't hard to see why.
At the time, Jayson Tatum was 26 years old, Jaylen Brown was 27, Derrick White was about to turn 30, Kristaps Porzingis was almost 29, and they had other young assets who contributed to the cause (Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Luke Kornet - sort of). This was a core that had been battle-tested and looked virtually unbeatable.
Fast forward two years later, and not only do the Celtics no longer look dynastic (after their first-round playoff collapse against the Philadelphia 76ers this posteason, they barely even look like title contenders), but teams like the San Antonio Spurs (who are now in the finals) and Oklahoma City Thunder (won it all last year and should be a mainstay in the title picture moving forward) have overtaken them in the rankings and it will be incredibly difficult for them to make their way back up to the top anytime soon.
Celtics fans should appreciate the 2024 title now more than ever
If in 10 years, the Celtics still only have 18 banners raised in TD Garden, some would call it a bit of a disappointment. To have Tatum and Brown for potentially their whole careers come up at the same time, reach their peak at the same time, make numerous conference finals together, and only walk away with one championship could be considered underwhelming.
But at the same time, this is a different NBA than it was even a decade ago. Dynasties aren't easy to come by anymore. There are so many talented players and teams in the modern NBA who haven't even made it to the finals yet, let alone win a championship or three.
Nikola Jokic only has one ring. Giannis Antetokounmpo only has one ring. And obviously, Tatum and Brown each only have one ring. (And if we want to go down that route: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, and Devin Booker all have zero.)
Whether it's a mix of the new CBA, a surplus of talent, or something completely different, dynasties aren't common in the modern NBA. There's a chance that the Thunder or Spurs (particularly if they defeat the New York Knicks in the finals this year) can become that, but we've already seen this same story play out numerous times over the seven years or so: winning an NBA title at this point is about being good and lucky, and that's why it seems borderline impossible for a team to repeat as champions.
Boston took advantage of the opportunity it had in 2024, and hopefully that won't be the last time it wins a championship in this era. But the landscape is changing constantly, and at this rate, it's fair to wonder what it would take for the Celtics to make it back to the promised land... if it's even possible at this point.
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