The Boston Celtics are still basking in the glow of their recent championship win.
Earning their 18th banner was a huge deal for the franchise and cemented their status as the best team in the NBA.
But will they be able to meet that same level of success next season?
Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t think so and he shared his opinion on “The Big Podcast.”
He said that Boston “had it easy” last season and things won’t be as simple in 2024-25.
“It’s not their fault they won,” O’Neal said, adding, “Now, they win next year, with all these teams healthy, got to give them respect.”
“Boston had it easy. It’s not their fault they won… Now, they win next year, with all these teams healthy, got to give them their respect.”
-Shaq on why he doesn’t think Boston can go back-to-back.
Sign up at https://t.co/F4hGpNAg6P #DKpartner pic.twitter.com/n4phWaf1dE
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) July 12, 2024
O’Neal is just one in a large chorus who believes that Boston had an easy route to the Finals.
It all started in the first round when they took on the short-handed Miami Heat.
The Celtics were able to sail past the Heat, who were without Jimmy Butler, and won the series 4-1.
Next up were the Cleveland Cavaliers, who had lost both Jarrett Allen and then Donovan Mitchell.
They beat them 4-1, as well, before taking on a short-handed Indiana Pacers, who they swept.
By the time they met the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals, the Celtics had only lost two games in the playoffs and were well-rested and ready to play.
They had their own injuries to deal with and had to fight without Kristaps Porzingis, but many fans felt things had been remarkably painless for the Celtics.
That probably won’t be the case next season, with teams in the East being much stronger and healthier.
The Celtics might still be able to take them all down but their path to the Finals won’t be nearly as easy.
The post Shaq Reveals Why The Celtics Will Not Win Title Next Season appeared first on The Cold Wire.