What you should know about the Celtics' new season and the search for Banner 19

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After the record-breaking warmth yesterday, we have more of a summery weather today. Enjoy before fall returns with a vengeance on Thursday.

Now for the news:

Banner 19 or Bust: The Boston Celtics will raise their 18th banner into the rafters of TD Garden 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 tonight against the retooled New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. NBC Sports Boston reporter Abby Chin joined WBUR Morning edition A preview of what to expect this season:

• Running it back: Thirteen of the 15 players from last year's dominant squad are back, including all five starters. (In fact, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have all now signed deals to stay in Boston through next season.) Chin says the continuity offers a chance to build one of the NBA's vaunted dynasties become. “They can look forward and think about how many they can win,” she said.
• A short-handed start: After offseason ankle surgery, Porzingis isn't expected back “probably until the new year,” Chin says. “It's a key piece for this team, but they really built the depth up front to be able to handle it,” she said.
• Off the field: The Celtics' sales process is expected to gain momentum this fall, with new potential bidders emerging as recently as this month. Still, owner Wyc Grousbek has stated that he does not expect to fully relinquish control of the team before 2028. While this transition awaits the team, Chin says it looks like business as usual for now. “When we're in the gym for these preseason practices and games, there's really no noticeable difference,” she said.
• What to watch out for: More Mazzulla-isms. From sandcastles to orcas, the third-year trainer has made a name for himself for his colorful quotes and anecdotes. (He's already in form midway through the season.) “Everyone, from the coaches to the team chefs, will tell you that Joe Mazzulla is an idiot when it comes to basketball… He never leaves this group with his head.” said Chin. “It’s been so much fun watching him grow into this role – and seeing the players completely buy into what he’s selling.”
• ICYMI: The city of Boston has renamed the North Washington Street Bridge — which runs from Charlestown to the North End near TD Garden — after basketball and civil rights giant Bill Russell. Here's a recap of yesterday's ceremony with local leaders, C players and Russell's wife.

This segment aired on October 22, 2024.