Boston Celtics: Early bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

2. Celtics tie record with four All-Stars

Throughout the league’s history, there have been nine teams that have had four players selected to the NBA All-Star Game in one year. Of those nine teams, three of them have been the Celtics. The last time Boston did it? Back in 2011.

Well it’s time the Celtics made that list a little longer.

Last year, Boston managed only one All-Star in Al Horford. Although a big part of that was due to the injuries to Irving and Hayward, it was a lackluster representation from one of the NBA’s most talented rosters. That’s all going to change in 2018-19.

When voting is complete, Irving, Hayward, Horford and Tatum will all be headed to the All-Star Game in Charlotte. The first two are easy enough to explain; both are among the best at their position in the NBA when at full strength. Horford made it last year, so no explanation needed. If you watched Tatum down the stretch a season ago, then he makes sense as well.

It won’t be easy, but the East has thinned on talent in recent years. Even if they aren’t all starters, I don’t think it’s crazy to imagine all four making the team at least as reserves. I considered claiming that they’d break the record with five All-Stars, but couldn’t see anyone else shining enough to warrant the recognition.

Either way, it would be glowing praise for arguably the East’s best squad.