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Boston Celtics: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

By Simon Smith

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward pose for a picture holding their jerseys before their introduction as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward pose for a picture holding their jerseys before their introduction as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Having pulled off one of the most significant offseasons in recent memory, here are five bold predictions for the Boston Celtics in season 2017-18.

Just when some thought Danny Ainge had lost his golden touch, his recent summer of work proved that you should never doubt the Boston Celtics‘ general manager.

First, he held off the Utah Jazz and the Miami Heat in the race to secure the signature of All-Star free agent Gordon Hayward. Signed to a four-year, $128 million deal, the 27-year-old is entering the prime of his career, and was clearly one of the more sought-after free agents of the offseason.

His next move was the proactive trading of guard Avery Bradley for forward Marcus Morris. With Bradley entering the season on an expiring contract, Ainge wisely dealt the popular veteran for a more than capable starting forward who’s owed just $10.4 million over the coming two seasons.

But his next significant deal was without doubt the biggest move of the entire season, with the acquisition of All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. This of course didn’t come without significant cost attached, with All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, and the Brooklyn Nets’ unprotected 2018 first round draft pick serving as the key ingredients moving to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Like the Bradley move, this was another forward-thinking transaction from action, with Thomas also due a contract extension at the end up of the upcoming season. Furthermore, the state of Thomas’ hip, which cut short his recent playoff run, was further cause for concern for the Celtics.

And this without mentioning the addition of the No. 3 overall selection in the draft, Jayson Tatum, whom Ainge selected after trading down from the No. 1 overall pick in order to acquire a future extra first round selection.

So while these additions are very exciting, there have been some key pieces exit TD Garden.

In addition to the aforementioned Bradley and Crowder, the Celtics also lost key frontcourt members Amir Johnson and Kelly Olynyk to free agency. In all, the Celtics lost three regular starters from last season in Bradley, Crowder and Johnson, in addition to the versatile Olynyk.

This therefore represents a very new, and much younger, Celtics roster for the upcoming season. Now entering his fifth year in charge, head coach Brad Stevens will be under no illusions as the adjustments his team will need to make in the early going in order to accommodate a wave of new faces.

With this in mind, here are five bold predictions for the Celtics in season 2017-18.

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