Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from Game 7 vs. Cavaliers

1. These Celtics will be back

While a defeat on their home court in a Game 7 of the Conference Finals will no doubt hurt for a long time, the future is bright in Boston.

All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward will be back by the beginning of next season, giving the Celtics two go-to scorers they sorely lacked down the stretch in their final game.

Terry Rozier’s newfound confidence should bode well coming off the bench, or as a starter should Irving suffer another injury.

Brown and Tatum stepped up in unexpected ways throughout the season. Expect both to build on their newfound experience, taking the next steps towards becoming the superstars they’re destined to become.

The only real question for the Celtics heading into this offseason is the decision the team will have to make regarding the restricted free agency of guard Marcus Smart.

Only 24 years of age, Smart has been an integral part of what Boston does on both ends, bringing heart, hustle and energy to every possession, usually making key plays to help win basketball games.

While re-signing him should be a no-brainer, we’ve seen general manager Danny Ainge make some unpopular moves in the past.

Even if the Celtics fails to bring back the four-year veteran, their future is ripe with a potential dynasty.

Remember, after losing in the 2011 Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by the trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, bounced back in 2012 to advance to the NBA Finals.

With the All-Stars of today and tomorrow coupled with the versatility and hunger this team has shown, LeBron won’t be able to dominate the Celtics much longer.

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition

Soon enough, they’ll be competing for banners No. 18, 19, 20….