New-look Boston Celtics no longer the Eastern favorites
By Adam Taylor
Predictions
The Boston Celtics got younger this summer. They got better on the boards, but worse on defense. Entertainment will be at a premium this year. The roster construction will guarantee that fans are in for a roller coaster of emotions every game night.
No longer considered contenders, the pressure is off, which allows the team to go about their business without the scrutiny of national media that comes when you’re expected to challenge the elite.
They are underdogs again, which plays directly into the style Brad Stevens and his general, Marcus Smart, like to play. Boston’s best seasons under Stevens have been when no one expected much from the team and when players felt like they had something to prove.
The East got better this year. Brooklyn is now a threat, joining Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Indiana. Boston could realistically be fighting for the fifth or sixth seed if things don’t go to plan, but It is not a stretch to envision them competing for the first or second seed either.
There are a lot of moving parts with this roster, making it hard to pinpoint exactly what type of team they will be this year. Stevens himself has a point to prove, something he hasn’t had to concern himself with during his time in Boston so far.
With multiple players positioned to have opportunities for larger roles, star players looking to cement themselves in Boston folklore and a plethora of young hungry rookies wanting to make their mark, this season is set to be enthralling.
Next. Predicting each team's 2019-20 record. dark
The Boston Celtics are positioned to be a good team this year and a great one in the not-so-distant future. Everyone strap in, it’s going to be a bumpy one this year.