Boston Celtics Ownership Change
In a significant shift for the Boston Celtics, Bill Chisholm has officially taken over as the team’s owner and governor, following an acquisition that values the franchise at an impressive $6.1 billion. Wyc Grousbeck remains involved in team governance, now serving in the capacity of alternate governor.
Commitment to Championships
Despite this change in ownership, Chisholm reiterated to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe that the team’s ambitions remain unchanged: attaining championships and hanging more banners in the rafters.
“We’re not looking to settle for second place; our focus is on winning titles,” Chisholm declared.
He expressed confidence about the immediate future of the team, even as they navigate roster changes to comply with the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax rules. Chisholm emphasized the importance of structure and skill over spending, stating:
“Success will come through talent and leadership, and with key figures like Wyc, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens, and head coach Joe Mazzulla, I believe we have the strongest leadership in the league.”
Roster Changes and Financial Strategy
This offseason has seen the franchise part ways with high-cost players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, resulting in savings exceeding $300 million in salary and luxury tax liabilities. These strategic moves allowed Boston to dip below the critical second apron while still remaining taxpayers, a balance they hope to maintain as they look to build a competitive roster.
There is speculation within the league that the Celtics might endure a transitional year, particularly with star player Jayson Tatum facing a lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles. However, Chisholm believes the foundation of Jaylen Brown and Derrick White could yield unexpected results, hinting that they may still pursue further roster improvements.
Leadership Structure and Future Aspirations
The leadership structure has seen some adjustments as Grousbeck will not retain the title of governor due to ownership stakes fluctuating post-sale. Yet, Grousbeck assured that his commitment to the team’s success remains unwavering.
“Bill and I are aligned in our priorities—it’s not about titles but what we can achieve together.”
As the Celtics prepare for the coming season, the real test for Chisholm’s ownership and management strategy will unfold next summer, where they will need to construct a championship-caliber team when Tatum returns, alongside Brown and others. For now, Chisholm’s message resonates positively with the fanbase, as he emphasizes a commitment to high expectations and championship aspirations.
