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NBA: 10 Biggest Disappointments So Far In 2016-17

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 20, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) drives past Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) drives past Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and guard Avery Bradley (0) battle for a loose ball during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Boston Celtics’ Defense

There’s an obvious and perfectly valid excuse for the Boston Celtics‘ defense not being up to par: Two of their best starters, who just so happen to be two of the team’s three best defenders, have missed a combined 15 games.

That being said, even in the three games where Al Horford and Jae Crowder were both on the court, the Celtics surrendered 105.8 points per 100 possessions — good for 20th in the league in that admittedly short span of time.

As of right now, Boston’s defense has gotten slightly better, with the C’s giving up 105.3 points per 100 possessions (17th in the NBA). To be fair, it appears as though they’re starting to turn things around on that end:

Considering their personnel and their fourth ranked offense last year, however, the Celtics were expected to compete with teams like the Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets for the title of stingiest defense in the league.

Boston has plenty of time to right this ship, especially once they get their defensive anchor in Horford and their best wing defender in Crowder back. For now though, this shorthanded Celtics team is having to scrap for stops, which couldn’t be further from what was expected entering the season.