In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, the notion of a superteam has undergone a transformation. The once-popular idea of assembling three megastars no longer guarantees success. The 2024 Boston Celtics have shown that there is a new way to construct a superteam, one that prioritizes depth and roster balance over star power.

The concept of a superteam was pioneered by the Celtics in 2008 when they united Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce to capture the NBA title. Their blueprint involved acquiring at least one superstar through external means and surrounding them with a mix of young players on rookie contracts and veterans willing to take pay cuts. This approach was subsequently followed by teams like the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors in the years that followed.

However, recent superteams built in this traditional mold have been less successful. The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers, both considered superteams, faltered in the playoffs, showcasing the need for a new approach. The lesson learned is that being a superteam in 2024 requires a different strategy than it did in 2008.

Enter the 2024 Boston Celtics, a team that defies conventional notions of a superteam. While they may not boast three megastars, they have redefined the concept by focusing on top-end depth. Rather than relying on a singular big swing in player acquisition, the Celtics spread their external additions across multiple players. The result is a roster comprised of six very good players, three of whom have made All-Star teams playing for teams other than the Celtics.

The Celtics' success can be attributed to smart timing and astute maneuvering in the market. They secured young talents like Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis through below-market extensions and capitalized on opportunities to acquire players like Al Horford and Jrue Holiday when their contracts were more favorable. Instead of chasing after one or two mega contracts, the Celtics have leveraged their financial flexibility to build a well-rounded team.

This approach has proved effective for the Celtics, who have emerged as one of the best teams in recent memory. Their impressive net rating and playoff performance speak to the strength of their roster construction. While they may not fit the traditional definition of a superteam, the Celtics have demonstrated that depth and balance can be the keys to success in the modern NBA.

The current NBA landscape makes it increasingly challenging for teams to assemble and sustain three max-contract superstars. The new CBA has introduced constraints on team finances, limiting the ability to surround star players with adequate supporting cast. The Celtics have overcome these obstacles by investing in younger players on affordable contracts and making shrewd moves in the market.

As the NBA Finals approach, the 2024 Celtics serve as a testament to the evolving nature of superteams. The traditional model of star-studded trios has given way to a more nuanced approach centered around depth and balance. While it may not have the glitz and glamour associated with the past, this new blueprint for success in the NBA may very well become the norm for future superteams.

In the end, it's not about the number of superstars a team possesses, but how well they are strategically assembled and complemented by a supporting cast. The 2024 Celtics have laid the foundation for a new era of superteams, showcasing that success in the NBA is no longer defined solely by star power, but also by smart roster construction and adaptability to the changing landscape of the league.