Boston Celtics head coach opened up on the New York Knicks’ acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns
The reigning champion Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was questioned about the trade at Celtics media day, making it clear that the team will focus on themselves. The New York Knicks, with the big moves they’ve made this summer, most notably their acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns, have made it clear that they hope to make their first Finals run since 1999.
Before the season ends, everyone aims to improve their roster. We just must put ourselves first.
With Kristaps Porzingis projected to be sidelined until at least December due to an injury, the Celtics will have big man problems to start the season. The 38-year-old Al Horford’s ability to perform at a high level is still uncertain, so the Celtics will have to rely on players like Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta. With their trade for KAT, the Knicks have further highlighted the one obvious hole on their roster.
Towns helped the Minnesota Timberwolves get to the Western Conference Finals with an average of 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the previous campaign. The Knicks are hoping that their choice to send Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle to the Wolves for KAT will pay off with a true run at the championship.
The Knicks have acquired Mikal Bridges and kept OG Anunoby, two of the top wing defenders in the NBA, to match the Celtics’ skill at the wing position with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Josh Hart plays with unwavering hustle, while Jalen Brunson made the All-NBA team after making his big leap the previous season.
Although the Celtics lack a very deep bench, they do boast one of the best starting lineups in recent NBA history, which includes two guards who are All-Defense worthy, Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, an MVP candidate in Tatum, and an All-NBA danger in Jaylen Brown. Although Porzingis has the potential to rank among the NBA’s top three centers, his injury issues keep him from realizing his potential.
Donte DiVincenzo Had To Be Traded Away By The Knicks
For the majority of the summer, the Knicks have been attempting to acquire Towns through trade; however, Donte DiVincenzo’s participation proved to be a source of contention for both teams. According to Ian Begley, the Knicks finally gave in because they didn’t have enough room to start Donte or give him the minutes he would have liked.
“However, DiVincenzo was likely going to start the season off the bench given the decisions made this offseason. He would have most certainly lost his starting position to Bridges. With confidence, I can state that DiVincenzo wasn’t overly thrilled about the prospect of playing less minutes or having a smaller role this season. In spite of being shorthanded, he helped the team win a lot of games and was coming off of a career year.”
Regretfully, it appears that DiVincenzo is also unable to start for the Wolves, as Donte’s role is expected to be filled by Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, and Jaden McDaniels. With an average of 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists from three last season on 40.1% shooting, he would be a deadly sixth man.