Former NBA Assistant GM Takes Shot at Celtics

Bobby Krivitsky | Oct 2, 2024

Jun 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jrue Holiday (4) react in the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

As the 2024-25 season nears, the Knicks pulled off a blockbuster trade to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns.

After their deal with their cross-town rival in Brooklyn to bring Mikal Bridges aboard, they arguably became the top external threat to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

Towns and Bridges join Jalen Brunson, last year's in-season acquisition, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart to form a starting five that, in the eyes of ESPN's Bobby Marks, who spent five years as the assistant general manager for the Nets, is more impressive than the reigning NBA champions' first unit.

"This New York team, their starting five, is the best starting five in the NBA on paper."

—@BobbyMarks42 on the Knicks 👀 pic.twitter.com/KHTHI6S31m

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 30, 2024

When they're at full strength, Boston's starting lineup features Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis.

While Brunson's coming off an All-NBA campaign and Towns is a four-time All-Star, the rest of the Knicks' top unit is yet to accomplish either accolade.

Not only do the Celtics boast a pair of wings who have earned All-NBA honors, but Porzingis and Holiday are former All-Stars, and White played at that level last season.

Furthermore, Al Horford, who responded to shouldering more of a workload while Porzingis dealt with injuries in the playoffs by raising his game, is a former All-NBA selection and likely a future Hall of Famer.

But what matters even more than past accolades is that Boston's starting five has a continuity advantage from battling together throughout a championship run that the Celtics can now build on.

The Knicks' reshaped core may click from day one, just as Boston's did, especially when considering the familiarity between former Villanova stars Brunson, Bridges, and Hart. However, they don't enter the season at the same starting point as the Celtics' on that front, even with Porzingis sidelined to begin the 2024-25 campaign. There's no guarantee they'll catch up, either.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Hopes Launching 741 Inspires Athletes & Creators: 'Dedicated to That'

Jrue Holiday Sends Powerful Message as Lonnie Walker Fights for Roster Spot

Bulked Up Baylor Scheierman Learning from Celtics' Sharpshooter & Impressing Mazzulla

Jayson Tatum Shares a Part of Legacy He's Trying to Leave Behind

Lonnie Walker IV Shares Brad Stevens' Message & Outlook on Exhibit 10 Deal

Derrick White Voices His Loyalty to Boston After Signing Extension

Brad Stevens Gives Honest Thoughts on Celtics’ Sale & Luxury Tax Penalties

Jayson Tatum Discusses Balancing MVP and Title Chase and His Excitement to Start Over

Jayson Tatum Discusses Becoming an Author, Tatum 3s, 2K Cover, and More

Byproduct of New CBA Threatens Jordan Walsh's Roster Spot with Celtics