The Boston Celtics haven’t won an NBA championship in (checks watch) fifteen entire years.
That’s longer than the life expectancy of an otter. There are otters that will be born and live a long and fruitful existence, but ultimately die sad and unfulfilled, since the Celtics failed to win a championship in their lifetime
So, for the sake of the otters, let’s unpack why that is.
I count five distinct eras of Celtics basketball since the 2008 championship. Here’s the breakdown:
1. The Lame Duck Administration (2009-2012)
Post-championship efforts were hollow. Save for 2010’s inspired run that hit a Kobe Bryant-shaped wall, the Miami Heat and LeBron James choked out the championship-era Celtics, and a rebuild was in order.