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The Boston Celtics have been the odds-on favorites to win the NBA championship since before the season started.
It was hard to bet against them, as they played in the easier conference, and had the most stacked starting lineup and some key reserves as well.
But more than that, trading for Jrue Holiday may have been the move that truly put them over the top.
That’s why NBA analyst Evan Cohen wanted to go a little further behind in time.
Talking on the UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio Show, he claimed that the Miami Heat not getting Damian Lillard may have won the Celtics a ring.
“Miami not getting Dame Lillard won the Celtics a championship.” @EvCoRadio pic.twitter.com/lS5UNPveQh
— UNSPORTSMANLIKE Radio (@UnSportsESPN) June 10, 2024
That’s because the Lillard trade eventually led to Jrue Holiday’s departure, which, in turn, led him to Boston.
If the Heat had gotten Lillard as both parties wanted and most people predicted, Holiday would’ve stayed with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Thus, the Celtics would’ve never been able to trade for him in the first place.
Brad Stevens put on a masterclass in the offseason by adding both Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and it’s almost impossible to think the rest of the league allowed them to get away with this.
Lillard had made it loud and clear that he wanted to play for the Heat and the Heat only, but the Portland Trail Blazers had to do what was best for them as a team.
They granted him his wish of playing for a championship contender, all while getting the best possible trade package in return.
Now, that ripple effect has the Boston Celtics on the verge of a championship.
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