Celtics' absence from devastating list shows why the franchise remains elite

Mar 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) walks on the court in street clothes during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | Sergio Estrada-Imagn ImagesThe NBA has changed a lot in recent years, especially in terms of team-building. The new CBA has created a world of relative parity, and it seems like the days of loading up on stars may be over. Depth is more important than ever, and even having one or two bad contracts on a roster can be extremely detrimental.

On a recent episode of the Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill brought back one of his most iconic bits, the worst-contract…