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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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

5. Celtics will restore top eight defensive rating

Despite leading the Eastern Conference last season with 53 wins, the Celtics’ defensive output was down on previous seasons.

After finishing fifth in the league in 2015-16 with a defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) of 100.9, the Celtics slipped to 12th overall last season with a rating of 105.5.

Granted, the loss of Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder represent tremendous losses on the defensive end of the floor. Bradley was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2015-16, and again featured high in the voting last season despite missing 27 games due to injury. Furthermore, Crowder has been regarded now for several seasons as one of the more versatile wing defenders in the league.

In their place come Hayward and second-year player Jaylen Brown to defend on the wings. Hayward is fresh from competing under the tutelage of the Utah Jazz and head coach Quin Snyder, who oversaw the third ranked defense in the league with a rating of 102.7. Brown, meanwhile, displayed terrific athleticism and poise in his rookie season, and the 2016 No. 3 overall pick should be able to fit seamlessly into the vacant 2-spot given his late-season and playoff form.

But the biggest change from a defensive perspective is the departure of Thomas. When Thomas was on the court last season, the Celtics had a defensive rating of 108.6. But this number improved dramatically when he was resting, with a rating of 99.7. While Irving has certainly been an underwhelming contributor at the defensive end throughout his career, he nonetheless possesses the physical traits to at least improve that aren’t possible with Thomas.

In terms of the frontcourt, an underrated signing was the addition of center Aron Baynes. While not an elite athlete, Baynes has played in recent seasons under two terrific defensive coaches in Gregg Popovich and Stan Van Gundy.

Last season as a member of the Detroit Pistons, Baynes posted a defensive rating of 98.5, which ranked second among all centers who played at least 75 games last season. With Al Horford expected to start at center, Baynes should be able to provide the Celtics with quality minutes off the bench in order to solidify a relatively inexperienced second unit.

Furthermore, Baynes’ teammate last season with the Pistons, Marcus Morris, will provide an additional versatile defender to the Celtics’ frontcourt. Likely to start at the 4-spot, the 6’9″ Morris’ flexibility will be invaluable in allowing Hayward to be settled at the small forward slot on the defensive end.

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