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Boston Celtics: 5 keys to contending in 2017-18

By Tevin Williams

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 /

The Boston Celtics have pulled off one of the most impressive rebuilds in recent history. But they’ll have to improve in these five key areas if they want to have a legitimate shot at a title.

The Boston Celtics are on track to finish first in the Eastern Conference for a second consecutive season. They’ve gotten younger, more talented and more versatile.

Kyrie Irving will finally have his shot as being the face of his own team as he heads into in prime years. The 25-year-old has already won Rookie of the Year, an All-Star Game MVP and made the biggest shot in Cleveland Cavaliers’ history. After the criticisms and attacks on his character after his trade request was leaked, Kyrie will look to take the court with a vengeance. He has something to prove.

The Celtics also added a lot of scoring to their frontcourt. Gordon Hayward is in line for a bump to his scoring numbers as he joins a Celtics squad that plays with more pace and space than Utah, while Marcus Morris is a solid power forward that can score in the pick-and-pop and in one-on-one situations.

The Celtics are by no means a perfect ball club, and they have a few shortcomings that need to be accounted for. LeBron James will attempt to complete his eighth consecutive Finals trip and the Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors will make some postseason noise too.

If the Boston Celtics want to take the Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference crown, then they’re going to have to improve in five key areas.

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