The Boston Celtics won had consecutive 50-plus in seasons in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals both years. Failing to get over the hump, they appeared poised to make a serious run at the NBA Finals last season. However, the Bucks, Raptors and 76ers proved better, as the Celtics finished with 49 wins and a second round exit to the number one seed Milwaukee Bucks. After and off season of roster changes, are the Celtics in position for another NBA Finals push?
Returning to the core is Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown. Tatum averaged nearly 16 points and six rebounds per game. Smart averaged nine points and four assists per game. Hayward, in his first season returning from injury, added nearly 12 points per game off the bench, while Jaylen Brown added 13 per night.
Key losses from last include All-Star Kyrie Irving, who averaged 24 points and seven assists. However, the addition of Kemba Walker, who averaged 26 points and six assists per game for the Hornets last season, fills the void. Another key loss is Al Horford, who signed with division rival Philadelphia. Doing a great job filling the hole, the Celtics signed Enes Kanter, who averaged a combined 14 points and ten rebounds combined with the Knicks and Trailblazers combined.
The Raptors took a significant hit when Kawhi Leonard signed with the Clippers, most likely eliminating them from serious title contention. However, the Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have another year of experience under their belts and are the favorites in the conference. Behind them are the quickly rising Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid is reportedly in the best shape of his career, Ben Simmons has added to his game and former Celtic Horford adds to arguably the deepest starting five in the East.
Where does this put the Celtics? The potential is there for a serious push for the top, however everything must fall into place. The starting five must be a cohesive unit and carry the team. The bench with the exception of Kanter, Brown and Carson Edwards, is relatively weak and could hurt them come playoff time.
Getting through Philadelphia and Milwaukee are the biggest obstacles this season for the Celtics. Should those teams get hit with injuries, that would play a key role. However, a team will and cannot rely on another team’s misfortunes. As is the case in any team sport, often the team that is playing the best come playoff time, makes the most serious push towards the title. It’s likely the Celtics come up short again, with their season ending in a mid-playoff round defeat.
VanveenJF