The cracks in the foundation are harder to see in the glow of an NBA championship.
Eleven months ago, the Boston Celtics won the title and were immediately listed as favorites to repeat with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jru Holiday, Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Payton Pritchard returning.
The title, a league-best No. 18, capped an eight-year run that included six Eastern Conference finals appearances and two trips to the NBA Finals. With the players coming back, Brad Stevens running the front office and Joe Mazzulla coaching, it was easy to think more, more, more.