The Miami Heat's blockbuster acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason didn't just change everything for their franchise's outlook. It also significantly altered things for one of the Heat's biggest rivals, the Boston Celtics.
At least in part, the Heat's ability to outbid the Celtics in their pursuit of Giannis led to the decision to part ways with Jaylen Brown. We don't know exactly what went on behind closed doors in that front office, but from a macro perspective, it was their public pursuit of Giannis, with Brown seemingly on the table, that expedited the team's move to trade the All-Star guard.
And Boston's new reality, because of that trade this offseason, is quite grim. In the words of one anonymous NBA scout, via SI, the Celtics' contender status will hinge on Paul George, the player who was at the center of the return package for Brown.
“I think they'll be good just because Joe (Mazzulla) is a really good coach; they're going to win their games and be competitive,” the scout said. “I don't know if they're necessarily a contender just because I don't trust Paul George.”
Heat fans can find some comic relief in the Celtics' new reality
Considering what the narrative would've been had the Celtics acquired Giannis, this is one of those realities that Heat fans could find humor in. Because had it been the opposite, you can bet that every other fan base, including the Celtics, would've been poking fun at the Heat's expense.
But even from just a basketball perspective, Heat fans have to love how things have clearly shifted in this rivalry. For years, it was the Heat constantly playing catch-up with the Celtics due to a lack of top-tier talent.
Things are much different now.
At least heading into the start of the season, there's an argument to be made that it's the Heat that are in a much better spot than the Celtics in terms of top-tier talent. It's the acquisition of Giannis and Boston's decision to trade Brown that have completely altered the vibes around these two teams.
And to be completely honest, the idea that the Celtics will need to rely on PG, especially at this stage of his career, to emerge as a championship contender in the Eastern Conference is the perfect example of how things have shifted between the Heat and Celtics.
Boston, instead of the Heat, having to rely on a past-their-prime start to enter the championship conversation in the East? While the Heat have a bona fide superstar in Giannis? Oh, how things have changed.
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