I think the Celtics could be a surprise team this year.

[liam]

I'm really liking the roster upgrades to this year's Celtics squad and I think they could be in the mix come playoff time. Between the improving Js and the upgrades in vets off the bench, I think The Celtics could be a surprise team this year.

[Celtics2021]

I think we can have a top 5 defense paired with a top 10 offense.  Not quite sure where that winds up overall, but top 4 in the conference feels attainable, with upside if the offense clicks with better ball movement and gets to top 5 as well, and/or our defensive intensity leads to more fast-break opportunities.

[slamtheking]

torn between too early or middle of the pack.

C's have less scoring than last season but hopefully better D.  Not thrilled with the options at PG or PF.  (I know tatum will be our primary PF but we have no one that suits a traditional PF role).   I don't see them being good enough to get HC in the first round though in a 7-game series, I could see them possibly 'upsetting' Philly, Atlanta or Miami in the first round.

[hpantazo]

I think they will surprise most people and be a top 4 team in the East. The biggest difference will be defense and ball movement. People underestimate the negative effect that Kemba and even Thompson had on our defense last year, nevermind the bench. Kemba also hurt the offense with sitting out back to backs and needing the ball in his hands a lot when he did play.

Despite having the poorest defensive season by far for a Celtics team in the past 6-7 years or so, they managed to compete in large part because of how good Tatum and Brown are. This current roster is already much better designed to complement those two with more ball movement and actual defense and legit NBA players on the bench. Horford and Richardson are going to fit really well, and Schroder is a tough as nails player who needs to prove his worth so he will buy in. If Rob Williams stays healthy and one of Nesmith or Langford take the next step, this team will be a legit playoff threat.

[PAOBoston]

Best case they revert back to the low ceiling but incredibly over achieving team from a few years ago and finish in the top 4.

Most likely scenario though is that they are somewhere in the 6-8 range and get bounced in the first or second round (depending on matchup). Defense will be better but not really sold on the shooting on this team nor the offensive depth. Any sort of injury to JT or JB and this team is likely in the lottery.

[sgrogan]

I think they will surprise most people and be a top 4 team in the East. The biggest difference will be defense and ball movement. People underestimate the negative effect that Kemba and even Thompson had on our defense last year, nevermind the bench. Kemba also hurt the offense with sitting out back to backs and needing the ball in his hands a lot when he did play.

Despite having the poorest defensive season by far for a Celtics team in the past 6-7 years or so, they managed to compete in large part because of how good Tatum and Brown are. This current roster is already much better designed to complement those two with more ball movement and actual defense and legit NBA players on the bench. Horford and Richardson are going to fit really well, and Schroder is a tough as nails player who needs to prove his worth so he will buy in. If Rob Williams stays healthy and one of Nesmith or Langford take the next step, this team will be a legit playoff threat.

Sounds about right. Defense in the regular season, and flaws exposed in the playoffs.

[Silas]

I'm really liking the roster upgrades to this year's Celtics squad and I think they could be in the mix come playoff time. Between the improving Js and the upgrades in vets off the bench, I think The Celtics could be a surprise team this year.

I agree, couldn't have said it any better... TP

[Who]

I think we can have a top 5 defense paired with a top 10 offense.  Not quite sure where that winds up overall, but top 4 in the conference feels attainable, with upside if the offense clicks with better ball movement and gets to top 5 as well, and/or our defensive intensity leads to more fast-break opportunities.

I can see a case for being a top 5 defense.

How do we become a top 10 offense?

[Surferdad]

I like the moves too, but it would not surprise me a bit if they miss the playoffs entirely.

[Moranis]

I think we can have a top 5 defense paired with a top 10 offense.  Not quite sure where that winds up overall, but top 4 in the conference feels attainable, with upside if the offense clicks with better ball movement and gets to top 5 as well, and/or our defensive intensity leads to more fast-break opportunities.

I can see a case for being a top 5 defense.

How do we become a top 10 offense?

Tatum and Brown are very good if not elite offensive players.  Horford is an excellent passer that can spread the floor.  Guard play won't be good shooters, but the passing should be a lot better. 

Let's also remember the team had the 10th best ORTG last year and you can see how they could be better this year even with just better health and expected growth from Tatum, Brown, Nesmith, etc.

[Who]

I think we can have a top 5 defense paired with a top 10 offense.  Not quite sure where that winds up overall, but top 4 in the conference feels attainable, with upside if the offense clicks with better ball movement and gets to top 5 as well, and/or our defensive intensity leads to more fast-break opportunities.

I can see a case for being a top 5 defense.

How do we become a top 10 offense?

Tatum and Brown are very good if not elite offensive players.  Horford is an excellent passer that can spread the floor.  Guard play won't be good shooters, but the passing should be a lot better. 

Let's also remember the team had the 10th best ORTG last year and you can see how they could be better this year even with just better health and expected growth from Tatum, Brown, Nesmith, etc.

Wow, I did not know that. I would not have guessed that. I would've guessed middle of the pack.

[Neurotic Guy]

I'm really liking the roster upgrades to this year's Celtics squad and I think they could be in the mix come playoff time. Between the improving Js and the upgrades in vets off the bench, I think The Celtics could be a surprise team this year.

I agree, couldn't have said it any better... TP

I’ll be surprised if they aren’t a top 4 team in the conference. Jays will be great and will have a solid supporting cast. This team will be engaged and will get back to winning close ones and not rendering 1st quarter double digit leads.   I think they’ll play the majority of the season a stone’s  throw from from the conference lead. 

[liam]

I think we can have a top 5 defense paired with a top 10 offense.  Not quite sure where that winds up overall, but top 4 in the conference feels attainable, with upside if the offense clicks with better ball movement and gets to top 5 as well, and/or our defensive intensity leads to more fast-break opportunities.

I can see a case for being a top 5 defense.

How do we become a top 10 offense?

Tatum and Brown are very good if not elite offensive players.  Horford is an excellent passer that can spread the floor.  Guard play won't be good shooters, but the passing should be a lot better. 

Let's also remember the team had the 10th best ORTG last year and you can see how they could be better this year even with just better health and expected growth from Tatum, Brown, Nesmith, etc.

That plus the new coach and we'll be better.

[tonydelk]

I think we can have a top 5 defense paired with a top 10 offense.  Not quite sure where that winds up overall, but top 4 in the conference feels attainable, with upside if the offense clicks with better ball movement and gets to top 5 as well, and/or our defensive intensity leads to more fast-break opportunities.

I can see a case for being a top 5 defense.

How do we become a top 10 offense?

Tatum and Brown are very good if not elite offensive players.  Horford is an excellent passer that can spread the floor.  Guard play won't be good shooters, but the passing should be a lot better. 

Let's also remember the team had the 10th best ORTG last year and you can see how they could be better this year even with just better health and expected growth from Tatum, Brown, Nesmith, etc.

That plus the new coach and we'll be better.

It all depends on what you think of this years team vs last years team.  Kemba barely played.  We had a ton of missed games due to Covid.  The best the C's played were the 1st 10 games when Kemba was out and Smart started at PG.  Below is from ESPN.  The C's were 10th in Offensive rating.  If this team is better then last year then they should be able to crack top 10.  As for top 5 D very possible as well.  It's not a far stretch when you think about it.  Top 10 O and 13 D got them a .500 record.  This team should be around 48 - 52 win team.


10   
Boston Celtics
72   36   36   3476.0   113.1   111.8   1.2   56.6   1.67   17.1   28.9   73.7   51.0   14.1   54.3   57.4   98.94   50.1   7,172

[Donoghus]

Gotta stay healthy.