5 reasons the Boston Celtics will be worse next season

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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 22: Avery Bradley #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts during overtime against the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden on March 22, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Pistons defeat the Celtics 105-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3. Backcourt defense not suited for Eastern Conference opponents

The Celtics had one of the most overshadowed, yet most talented backcourts in the league. Bradley and Thomas were not only friends, but a dangerous duo that helped propel the Celtics to where they are now.

Bradley complemented Thomas. What Thomas lacked in size and defense, he made up with attitude, scoring, late-game scoring, and more scoring. Bradley on the other hand, was the well-rounded, keep-your-mouth-shut-and-ball type of impact player. Now that he is gone, Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Terry Rozier are going to see dramatic increases in their roles.

When facing tandems like John Wall and Bradley Beal, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, and even Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith, the Celtics are at a disadvantage. This is where Celtics’ fans realize that Kyrie is now an even more unguardable matchup against Boston. Bradley may not have stopped Irving every time, but he was notorious for limiting him. The options are restricted, but they still have a strong defensive player in Marcus Smart.

Smart is the clear-cut first option, but his scoring could be an easy weakness for other teams to target. In the playoffs, Smart had one of his best offensive performances, but consistent scoring is not his strong suit.

Rozier can score from anywhere and has the potential to capitalize on Bradley being traded, but still needs work on defense. Jaylen Brown will see more minutes as well because of his defense, but is still finding his rhythm when it comes to outside scoring.

Both are athletic enough to assume to heavier workload, but will have to prove themselves as two-way players before they become to option over Smart. What Smart brings on defense is unmatchable, and until someone manages to score better than he defends, he should be in the starting five alongside Isaiah Thomas.

Unfortunately, that still puts the Celtics as a disadvantage when facing other Easter Conference opponents like the Wizard, Raptors and Cavaliers.

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