Difference between this team and 17-18 team

[perks-a-beast]

17-18, aside from injuries, was one of the most entertaining seasons in recent memory. After Hayward and Irving went down, the team massively overachieved and ended up a quarter of basketball away from the NBA Finals...it would take nothing short of a miracle for this years team to achieve that.

So what’s the biggest difference between this years squad and the team 3 years ago? Did the 17-18 Celtics benefit mostly from a weaker eastern conference, and facing the Bucks and Sixers before both those teams really took off? Was it the front court of Horford-Baynes-Morris that helped them make such an impressive playoff run?

It pains me looking back a bit since if you asked me back then where the team would be in three years I would almost certainly say contending or favorites to win it l. It’s crazy to think that three years of Tatum-Brown development, and not too much of a downgrade in supporting talent, that the team is where they are now - a likely first round exit.

[PhoSita]

Depth is a lot different on this team.

Also while that 18 team had a couple of major injuries, it doesn't really compare to the absolute revolving door of injuries and COVID absences this team has dealt with.  That plus a condensed schedule and it's just a different situation.

[CelticsBR]

17-18, aside from injuries, was one of the most entertaining seasons in recent memory. After Hayward and Irving went down, the team massively overachieved and ended up a quarter of basketball away from the NBA Finals...it would take nothing short of a miracle for this years team to achieve that.

So what’s the biggest difference between this years squad and the team 3 years ago? Did the 17-18 Celtics benefit mostly from a weaker eastern conference, and facing the Bucks and Sixers before both those teams really took off? Was it the front court of Horford-Baynes-Morris that helped them make such an impressive playoff run?

I'd say so. Looking back, this was a really strong front court rotation paired with young players that could already play offense (Tatum, Brown and Rozier).

[Moranis]

The conference was weaker as I'd take this team top to bottom over that one if for no other reason that Tatum and Brown are both significantly better than they were then.

[tstorey_97]

One of that team's advantages was "expectations" they didn't have any.

Rozier lit up the Bucks...Bledsoe never recovered. I agree the veteran  front court was great.

The difference this year is last year...48-24

These guys have it in their heads that they are "good."

The Hawks, Knicks and Hornets are underdogs. The Celtics are the ones who are supposed to win.

They're in shock when these other teams are kicking their butts.

A host of injuries.
Smart is having a poor season.
Walker will end up missing 28 games.

The team is young. They added Fournier a couple of weeks ago. Thompson is figuring it out now.

The three top bench players - Robert (24yrs) - Pritchard (23 yrs) - Nesmith (22 yrs)...they don't have a lot of NBA experience.

I'd say the primary issue is youth, with the understanding that the 17/18 team was young also.

I think this team with an addition next season will be getting very close. Those three bench players are pretty good and will improve.

The way these guys are going this season? This play in tournament has me ascared.

[SparzWizard]

That year, the East was weak.

LeBron's team was a 4th seed. LeBron swept the #1 seeded Raptors. The C's got past the Bucks in 7 games. 76ers were still processing. The C's took the Cavs to 7 games and lost at home. Then LeBron got swept by the Warriors.

But that year was also fun. Tatum/Brown/Horford were an intriguing trio. We had mini Scary Terry before he became very scary in Charlotte. That year, and the 16-17 year were fun. I hated the 18-19 year. I also hate the 20-21 year.