The Eastern Conference in the NBA is stacked with talent, and with the 2023-2024 season in full swing, teams like the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers have emerged as serious threats. However, Stephen A. Smith—the outspoken analyst and host of ESPN’s First Take—has made it clear where he stands when comparing these two Eastern powerhouses. According to Smith, the Boston Celtics are the “scarier” team in the East, far more dangerous than the Cleveland Cavaliers, despite the Cavs’ impressive young core and upward trajectory.

Let’s break down what led to Stephen A.’s bold statement and why he believes the Celtics are the true juggernaut in the East.

The Celtics’ Power: Depth, Experience, and Talent

The Boston Celtics have been one of the most consistent contenders in the Eastern Conference for the past few seasons, and it’s no surprise that Stephen A. Smith sees them as the more formidable team in the East right now. The Celtics have a core that includes Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart, and they recently bolstered their roster by acquiring Kristaps Porzingis in a trade with the Washington Wizards.

For Stephen A., it’s all about the depth, talent, and experience the Celtics bring to the table. Jayson Tatum has firmly cemented himself as one of the top players in the NBA, capable of taking over games in a variety of ways. Whether it’s his scoring ability, elite defense, or leadership, Tatum is an MVP-caliber talent who can carry the team on his shoulders when needed.

But it’s not just Tatum. Jaylen Brown has also emerged as a dominant force in the league, consistently improving as a two-way player and capable of putting up huge numbers. Together, Tatum and Brown form one of the most dangerous duos in the league, and the Celtics’ success largely hinges on their ability to dominate in both the regular season and playoffs.

Add to that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart, who brings unmatched energy and defensive tenacity, and the recently acquired Kristaps Porzingis, a versatile 7-footer who can stretch the floor and provide scoring and rim protection. This gives the Celtics a multidimensional attack that can beat teams in multiple ways—whether it’s through perimeter shooting, defense, or inside scoring.

Stephen A. also noted the importance of the Celtics’ playoff experience. With multiple trips to the Eastern Conference Finals in recent years, and coming off a 2022 NBA Finals appearance, the Celtics have proven they can handle the high-pressure moments of the postseason. This experience is invaluable when facing the other top teams in the East, and it’s one of the key reasons why Stephen A. sees them as the more “scary” team.

The Cavs’ Young Core: Promising but Not Yet Ready

While the Cleveland Cavaliers have been on the rise, particularly with the emergence of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and the acquisition of Donovan Mitchell, Stephen A. still believes they are not quite on the level of the Celtics—at least not yet. Yes, the Cavs have a tremendous young core that has a lot of potential, but according to Stephen A., they are still too inexperienced to be considered a truly frightening team in the East.

Donovan Mitchell, who had an impressive first season in Cleveland, remains the team’s leader and primary scorer. His ability to take over games and score at will is undeniable, and his presence on the floor gives the Cavs a dynamic offensive weapon. However, for Stephen A., the Cavs’ lack of playoff success—coupled with the fact that their young stars are still figuring out how to play together in high-stakes situations—limits their threat level.

Evan Mobley, a young defensive prodigy, is an exciting player with tons of potential. He’s a future star on both ends of the floor, but he’s still learning how to have a more consistent impact on the offensive end. Mobley has yet to fully develop into a go-to scorer, which puts a lot of pressure on Mitchell and Garland to carry the load.

And while Darius Garland is an elite point guard, his playmaking and scoring ability are still maturing. Garland, like Mobley, has not yet proven he can lead a team through a deep playoff run. The Cavs, despite being an up-and-coming squad, still have some ways to go before they can truly challenge teams like the Celtics in the postseason.

The Celtics’ Experience vs. The Cavs’ Potential

Stephen A. made it clear that experience is what separates the Celtics from the Cavs right now. While the Cavs have a promising future, they are still very much in the developmental phase. The Celtics, on the other hand, have been to the finals and have had sustained success over the past few seasons. Their veteran players know what it takes to win in the postseason, and their defensive prowess, offensive versatility, and depth make them a much more formidable team in the present.

Yes, the Cavs are incredibly promising. But in Stephen A.’s eyes, they are still one or two years away from being a true Eastern Conference contender. The Celtics’ combination of elite individual talent, playoff experience, and team chemistry makes them the more “scary” team in the East for the time being.

Why Stephen A. Thinks the Celtics Are “Scary”

Elite Talent and Depth: The Celtics have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the NBA. From Tatum’s scoring to Brown’s two-way play and Porzingis’ floor spacing and shot-blocking, they can beat teams in a variety of ways. Their depth, with players like Al Horford and Malcolm Brogdon coming off the bench, only adds to their overall threat.

Playoff Experience: The Celtics have been to the Eastern Conference Finals multiple times and recently made it to the NBA Finals. That kind of playoff experience cannot be overlooked. Stephen A. believes this will be crucial when it comes time to face other top teams in the postseason.

Defensive Prowess: With Marcus Smart anchoring their defense and the presence of Tatum and Brown, the Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the league. This ability to lock down opponents in clutch moments gives them a huge edge over teams that may lack the same level of defensive discipline.

Leadership and Clutch Ability: Tatum and Brown have proven time and time again that they can handle the pressure. They’ve both shown they can take over games when it matters most, and with a guy like Joe Mazzulla leading the team as head coach, they have a clear vision of how to compete for a title.

Conclusion: The Celtics Are the East’s Scariest Team for Now

While the Cleveland Cavaliers have a bright future ahead with their young core, Stephen A. Smith is adamant that the Boston Celtics are the more dangerous team in the East as of now. The Celtics’ combination of elite talent, experience, and depth gives them a major edge over teams like the Cavs, who are still a bit too green to make a deep postseason run just yet.

Stephen A.’s statement about the Celtics being the “scarier” team is a reminder that, in the NBA, experience and proven playoff success often outweigh potential, and right now, Boston has both in spades. Until the Cavs can prove they can consistently compete at the highest level, the Celtics remain the team to fear in the East.