In the history of the NBA, which spans over 75 years and includes 30 teams, only eight have managed to secure back-to-back championships. This statistic underscores the difficulty of defending a title. Kenny Smith, who has firsthand experience with consecutive championships from his time with the Houston Rockets in 95 and 96, offered valuable insights on what it takes to maintain that edge. As Jayson Tatum’s Boston Celtics aim for another title, Smith’s advice could prove crucial.

During an interview with Sports Illustrated, Kenny Smith addressed the concept of the “championship hangover” candidly. When asked about the authenticity of this phenomenon, Smith responded firmly: “It is absolutely real.” He attributed this to human nature, explaining, “After achieving something significant, like winning a gold medal, there is a natural tendency to relax and take a moment to savor the victory.”

Smith cautioned that while Boston might be tempted to ease up after the recent success, their competitors will be striving relentlessly to close the gap. The true challenge, according to Smith, lies in resisting the inclination to become complacent. “The most difficult aspect is overcoming human nature,” Smith noted during the interview. “If you take too long to catch your breath, others will seize the opportunity.” 

Smith’s insights are particularly notable given his proven track record. In June, before the Finals, he confidently predicted that the Celtics would secure their 18th championship, stating, “This team has all the elements necessary for a championship run this year.”

With this legacy in mind, the critical question is whether the Celtics can validate Smith’s prediction or if they will fall prey to the complacency he warns against.

Kenny Smith urges Celtics to stay vigilant after their historic championship win

During the championship celebration, Celtics’ coach Joe Mazzulla delivered a stirring message: “Opportunities to achieve greatness are rare… You must seize them and make them your own, and our team did just that.” This marked a significant moment for Boston, ending a 16-year championship drought and elevating them to the top of NBA history, breaking the tie with the Los Angeles Lakers with a record 18 titles.

Jaylen Brown’s exceptional performance, earning him the NBA Finals MVP, was a key factor. Moreover, Boston’s influence extended beyond the NBA as Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White contributed to Team USA’s gold medal victory in the Paris Olympics.

Despite this success, Kenny Smith has issued a clear warning to Tatum and the Celtics: avoid succumbing to complacency. As the new season approaches, the pivotal question remains—will the Celtics achieve back-to-back championships, or will Smith’s concerns about a championship hangover come to fruition?

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”