The Celtics knew heading into last offseason that they would not be returning with the same team that lost to Miami in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals.
They swung a trade for Kristaps Porzingis, and they pounced when Jrue Holiday became available as well. Marcus Smart, Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, and Grant Williams were among those who departed. The Celtics were able to keep much of their core intact while simultaneously giving the roster a new look and feel.
Those are the obvious differences between this year and last year.