When the Boston Celtics hoisted the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the 18th time in franchise history on Monday night, they became the sixth different NBA champion in as many years.
That has happened only once over a six-season span, from 1974-75 through 1979-80, a period when NBA parity was at an all-time high. Most of the league's history has been marked by dynasties, including the way Boston and the Los Angeles Lakers (who won in 1980) subsequently dominated the 1980s, combining to take all but one title over a nine-year period.
Since the Golden State Warriors completed their stretch of five consecutive Finals appearances and three championships, no dynasty has risen in their place. That's partially by design, as the NBA has tweaked the salary rules to make it more difficult for teams to retain their title-winning cores without paying massive penalties in terms of luxury tax and flexibility.
Although this is Boston's first championship since 2008, the Celtics have been a constant in a time of turnover, reaching six of the past eight Eastern Conference finals and losing the 2022 Finals before breaking through this season. Can Boston become the next great NBA dynasty, or is the pull of parity too strong?
Let's look at the factors that have worked against past champions and break down the Celtics' chances.