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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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Celtics produce a top five offense

Despite three of their top four scorers from last season departing, the Celtics are nonetheless full of scoring talent.

Irving ranked 11th in the league in scoring at 25.2 points per game, while Hayward was 26th at 21.9 per game. Another newcomer, Marcus Morris, averaged 14.0 points per game, an admirable return given the Detroit Pistons ranked 24th in PACE and 25th in offensive rating (points per 100 possessions).

Furthermore, rookie Jason Tatum is expected to make a significant impact in his debut season. Taken with the No. 3 overall pick, Danny Ainge is certainly full of confidence in the front office’s choice in Tatum:

"“Yes, we would have picked him with the first pick.”"

Coach Stevens was equally as effusive in his praise:

"“We think Jayson can play a variety of positions with a variety of guys. I think that, in this kind of position-less league, those guys are really valuable.”"

In addition, second-year player Jaylen Brown, also a No. 3 overall pick, is expected to continue on the impressive form he showed in the latter of the regular season and postseason.

Last season, the Celtics had an offensive rating of 108.6, good for eighth in the league. But the addition of two mega talents, and legitimate All-Stars, in Irving and Hayward, means there is no reason why the Celtics’ offence can’t step up another level and enter the top five in the league.

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