Three days ago, the NBA tipped off another season and the reigning champion Golden State Warriors began their title defense. This week, two of our writers debate who they think will hang the next banner and take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Why the Celtics are the soon-to-be 2022-2023 NBA Champions
By Jacob Hypke
The Boston Celtics finished as the runners-up last year after losing to the Warriors in six games. To think they won’t claim the Larry O’Brien Trophy this time would be a big mistake.
The Celtics roster has only improved since last year. They acquired former Rookie of the Year Malcom Brogdon to back up Marcus Smart, and the second-year guard put up 16 points in 26 minutes off the bench in his first game this season. That’s almost as much as Smart did in 12 less minutes.
The Celtics also have the most overall talent in the league. While it was only one game, the ringleaders Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both put up 35 points on the Philadelphia 76ers, who are also projected as another threat in the East. No other team in the NBA has two players that can both drop over 30 points while having another five top-100 players to help in the starting lineup and off the bench.
Yes, you could say the Warriors will win the championship again, but they lost Gary Payton II, who was a crucial defender assigned to players like Luka Doncic, Devin Booker and Ja Morant during the playoffs last year. Otto Porter Jr., another strong player off the bench for the Warriors last season, also won’t be on the squad this year, which makes the argument for the Celtics that much stronger.
Experienced players are the most important part of the team, and the Celtics didn’t lose any. They know what the game plan is, and I’m confident interim head coach Joe Mazzulla does too.
It’s another year of Steph Curry and the Warriors
Ethan Carbone
After winning the 2021-2022 NBA championship, the Golden State Warriors are destined to repeat as victors.
The Warriors’ offense will once again be led by Steph Curry, the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry, alongside Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole, making them the most talented team in the league. The Warriors also have a do-it-all forward in Andrew Wiggins, whose shooting ability partners well with his athleticism.
As for the defense, Kevon Looney, Draymond Green and Curry will lock down the opposing players. While the West has some terrific teams on paper, their true competition will be when they reach the Finals.
The final reason the Warriors are my pick to win the NBA Finals is because they have the experience of winning last year as well as years prior with the same core. Everything rests on the shoulders of Curry, but he’s ready to yet again lead this team to the promised land.
As for the Boston Celtics, while they are very good offensively they cannot match the offensive firepower of the Warriors and certainly cannot defend it, as seen against the 76ers when Boston allowed 35 points to a past-his-prime James Harden.
Offensively, the Celtics rely on forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for a good chunk of their points. The Warriors’ Draymond Green will likely be able to slow down one of the two, making it more difficult for the Celtics to stay in the game.
