This is my first column talking about the Celtics since we acquired Kristaps Porzingis for Marcus Smart back in June.

Spoiler alert, a lot has happened since then.

We acquired Jrue Holiday and said goodbye to key players Robert Williams, Malcolm Brogdon, and Grant Williams.

Sheesh.

Boston traded depth for star talent, and is currently reaping the benefits, winning 12 of its first 15 games.

But, hold on. Even though we’ve started the season strong, there are positives and negatives.

Let’s start with one of a few concerns: the Celtics’ inability to put games to bed early.

Boston has been plagued with this issue for a few years now. While it’s nice to beat teams by 30 any given night, it would also be nice if the Celtics didn’t mess around up 10 with two minutes remaining before losing in overtime (Charlotte on Monday).

Even against the Bucks two nights later, Boston allowed Milwaukee to get back into the game and the last two minutes were far more stressful than they had to be. Albeit, Damian Lillard clocked into “Dame Time,” but the C’s didn’t need to put themselves into that position, to begin with.

Boston needs to learn to not play with its food and put games away early, because when the Celtics get to the playoffs, they can’t just cruise.

When you have six potential All-Stars on your team, which includes an arguable top-five player in the league, get the job done and move on to the next game.

Another concern is the bench. Joe Mazzulla’s bench isn’t as deep as it was last season, but it’s still a capable unit led by fan-favorite Payton Pritchard and sharpshooter Sam Hauser.

If the Celtics want to bring home banner 18, then the bench will have to continue to play at the rate they’re going at.

To start the season, both Pritchard and Hauser struggled shooting and, because of that, the Celtics found themselves in closer games than they may have liked. Lately, however, they have lived up to expectations and are making a significant impact while our star players get rest.

That’s a good segway into some positives.

I’m loving Kristaps Porzingis. The 7-foot-3 big man has been amazing, averaging 19.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game.

I knew Porzingis was good, but I was skeptical of how effective he could be as the third star (his whole career, he’s been the first or second).

I was one of the biggest Marcus Smart fans, but I care more about banner 18 than any one player.

Porzingis is giving this team a whole new dimension – can’t you feel it?

This leads me to my next positive and, to be honest, it’s more of an appreciation: Al Horford.

The former third overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft has been stellar in year 16. Having been relegated to the bench, he has taken it in full stride – just like the true professional he is.

But when he needed to start against the Philadelphia 76ers, he rose to the occasion like he always has, and held the reigning MVP (Joel Embiid) to just 20 points. That’s a win.

On the offensive end, Horford poured in 14 points, grabbed eight boards, and went 4-for-8 from downtown. No one on this team deserves a ring more than Horford. He’s sacrificed a lot coming off of the bench (same with Westbrook in Los Angeles, but I digress).

Although the season is still young, the potential of this team is very, very high.

We’ve seen flashes of potential and some of concern, but, either way, the Celtics are suited for a championship run.

This time, hopefully, it ends with the Larry O’Brien trophy back where it belongs (sorry, Lakers).