I'm not sure we're maddeningly inconsistent. We've been mediocre at best all season. Our win streak came against creampuffs. The last two "decent" teams we beat were over a month apart and only happened because Kyrie carried us with 40+ points.
This team just isn't that good right now. They have 1 star and everyone else is lesser than. Until someone else steps up, we might be a 5th seed all season.
Frankly, if we hadn't beaten the Bucks in game 7 of the 1st round, I'm not sure there'd be any real reason to believe this team can contend. Really the only reason we see ourselves as superior to the Pacers right now is because we went on a playoff run last year.
On paper though there's still a lot of undeniable talent.
Irving is a star, who has proven to be able to carry the load on the big stage.
Horford and Hayward, if fully healthy and mentally engaged, are two excellent experienced complementary players.
Smart, Morris, Baynes and Theis are fine supporting players, who serve specific roles for a contender.
With Rozier, Brown and Tatum there are a couple of very talented youngsters with significant playoff experience.
And then you have a raw unique athletic center in Williams.
I don't think it will be enough to win a championship yet, but there's definitely a lot to work with. And what we have seen so far on the court is underwhelming in comparison to the talent on paper. With most teams Stevens was able to get more out of his guys than expected, but this season that's not the case. It should change and I think it's reasonable to demand improvement.