This year’s Boston Celtics are very fun to watch and they remind me a lot of the Nuggets’ 09 squad.
I remember the good old days of the 2009 Nuggets. You know, the team that probably would have won their first Finals if the Lakers team led by Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol had not got in the way in the Western Conference Finals.
With that in mind, I find myself being reminded of that team in particular by another team in the playoffs right now. That team would be the Boston Celtics. Now, I know it seems crazy on the surface, but really think about it.
More from Nugg Love
- Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
- Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
- Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
- What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
- Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know
The 09 Nuggets were led by two stars in Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups albeit Billups was on the downhill slope of his prime. The Celtics have their two stars in the electric Isiah Thomas and Al Horford. Before you crucify me for calling Horford a star, there is a difference between a star and superstar. I consider Horford a second tier star, much like what Billups was in 2009.
The other personnel is also similar in some regards. Avery Bradley serves somewhat of the same role as Dahntay Jones did, the difference being Bradley is much more refined offensively. Crowder can become a monster when he gets hot, especially from deep which is similar to the way J.R. Smith was for Denver.
Also, both the 09 Nuggets and this year’s Celtics were dark horses in their respective conferences. Many people still predicted the Lakers to be the ones to emerge from the West in 09 and they were correct. However, Denver still gave them a run for their money. This year, everyone believes the Cavaliers will emerge as the top dog from the East once again. However, the Celtics have the potential to play spoiler and at least put up a fight if they meet in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Must Read: Free Agent Target for Denver: JaMychal Green
The 2009 Nuggets were a great team to watch and this year’s Celtics are giving us a reminder of how good they were.