What to know about the Celtics’ new season and the quest for Banner 19

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We have more summer-like weather today, after yesterday’s record-breaking warmth. Savor it before fall returns with a brisk vengeance Thursday.

Now, to the news:

Banner 19 or bust: The Boston Celtics will hoist their 18th banner into the TD Garden rafters tonight. Then, as coach Joe Mazzulla would say, it’s time to build a new “sandcastle.” The Celtics tip off their first game of the 2024-25 season at 7:30 p.m. tonight against the retooled New York Knicks. NBC Sports Boston reporter Abby Chin joined WBUR’s Morning Edition for a preview of what to expect this season:

• Running it back: Thirteen of the 15 players on last year’s dominant roster are back, including all five starters. (In fact, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have all now signed contracts to stay in Boston through next season, too.) Chin says the continuity provides a chance to become one of the NBA’s vaunted dynasties. “They do get to look ahead and start thinking about how many can they win,” she said.
• A short-handed start: Following offseason ankle surgery, Porzingis isn’t expected back “likely until the new year,” Chin says. “That is a key piece for this team, but they’ve really built up the depth in the front court to be able to handle that,” she said.
• Off the court: The Celtics’ sale process is expected to heat up this fall, with new prospective bidders emerging just this month. Still, owner Wyc Grousbek has said he doesn’t expect to fully relinquish control of the team until 2028. While that transition looms over the team, Chin says it seems like business as usual for now. “When we’re inside the gym for these preseason practices and games, there really hasn’t been a noticeable difference,” she said.
• What to watch for: More Mazzulla-isms. Whether it’s sandcastles or orcas, the third-year coach has earned a reputation for colorful quotes and anecdotes. (He’s already in mid-season form.) “Everyone from the trainers to the team chefs will tell you that Joe Mazzulla is a sicko when it comes to basketball … His head never leaves this group,” Chin said. “It’s been such a fun transition to see him grow into this role — and to see the players’ complete buy-in to what he is selling.”
• ICYMI: The City of Boston renamed the North Washington Street Bridge — which crosses from Charlestown to the North End near the TD Garden — after basketball and civil rights giant Bill Russell. Here’s a recap of yesterday’s ceremony featuring local leaders, C’s players and Russell’s wife.

This segment aired on October 22, 2024.