NBA Power Rankings: Preview the Los Angeles Lakers and the rest

Dearly Departed: Gordon Hayward, Enes Kanter, Brad Wanamaker, Vincent Poirier

New Additions: Tristan Thompson, Jeff Teague, Aaron Nesmith, Payton Pritchard, Amile Jefferson

Win Projection/Prediction: 45.5/Under

As over reactionary as it may be, it feels like the Boston Celtics may have missed their window. While Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are still young (and apparently still growing!) they had a great chance to make an NBA Finals last season. As Kemba Walker’s knees seem to be slowly degrading, that may be the best chance they had.

The Celtics lost Gordon Hayward in the offseason. While his time was cursed in Boston with too many unlucky injuries to count, his presence will still be missed. Hayward was an invaluable fourth option and his offense will be tough to replicate.

In fairness, Tristan Thompson is a clear upgrade over Enes Kanter. For a team in need of more size down low, he should feast on the glass and keep possessions alive. Jeff Teague looked mostly washed in Atlanta last season but is a worthwhile flier as a bench guard. Aaron Nesmith will be the spark the team needs if his college shooting translates.

Brown and Tatum are the leaders here and will keep Boston pushing for that top seed. Brown is underrated for his value both on and off the court and will likely make a case for his own first All-Star appearance. Tatum made his first All-Star appearance last season and spent much of the team’s playoff run as the best player on the court at all times. If he can continue to be an elite number one offensive option while being a border-line All-Defensive force, the title window remains fully open.