Most important change in our team this summer

[hpantazo]

A lot has been said about all the offseason moves, and with such a great deal of roster turnover, this is really a totally different team now. I know there are a great number of posts about the benefits of adding Kyrie, Hayward, Tatum, Morris, Baynes, Theis and even Yabusele and Ojeyle, and about losing core guys like IT, Bradley, Crowder, Amir, and Olynyk.

I think the single biggest change in our team though has been largely overlooked. It is that we now have two prime-time scorers in Kyrie and Hayward, who can create their own shots and be a top tier go to guy down the stretch, possibly 3 if Tatum or Brown make the jump. That is huge!! That is what wins playoff games, that was our major limiting factor since the Pierce-KG-Allen era, and something Ainge stated repeatedly in interviews that he was looking for, but was the hardest thing to obtain in the NBA. We not only got one, we got two and possibly 3 of those guys this summer when you include Tatum. As much as I love Bradley and IT, they pale in comparison when it comes to shot creating and clutch scoring when defenses tighten. I know IT did it impressively last season, but his body gave out during the Wizards series, and he just doesn't have the physical makeup to keep that up long term.

Talent, especially premier scoring talent, wins in the NBA. Kyrie and Hayward's playing styles are going to mesh so well together , and it will be impossible for defenses to stop them at the end of games. If Tatum and/or Brown develop soon, watch out!

[CelticsElite]

I agree. We went from maybe 1 player (IT) who can score from anywhere to 3. Tatum can absolutely score from everywhere. Our big 3 will space the floor for him too

[Mlewis1392]

You forgot to mention we added a point god who is able to go on all the rides at six flags

[Jamilmac99]

A lot has been said about all the offseason moves, and with such a great deal of roster turnover, this is really a totally different team now. I know there are a great number of posts about the benefits of adding Kyrie, Hayward, Tatum, Morris, Baynes, Theis and even Yabusele and Ojeyle, and about losing core guys like IT, Bradley, Crowder, Amir, and Olynyk.

I think the single biggest change in our team though has been largely overlooked. It is that we now have two prime-time scorers in Kyrie and Hayward, who can create their own shots and be a top tier go to guy down the stretch, possibly 3 if Tatum or Brown make the jump. That is huge!! That is what wins playoff games, that was our major limiting factor since the Pierce-KG-Allen era, and something Ainge stated repeatedly in interviews that he was looking for, but was the hardest thing to obtain in the NBA. We not only got one, we got two and possibly 3 of those guys this summer when you include Tatum. As much as I love Bradley and IT, they pale in comparison when it comes to shot creating and clutch scoring when defenses tighten. I know IT did it impressively last season, but his body gave out during the Wizards series, and he just doesn't have the physical makeup to keep that up long term.

Talent, especially premier scoring talent, wins in the NBA. Kyrie and Hayward's playing styles are going to mesh so well together , and it will be impossible for defenses to stop them at the end of games. If Tatum and/or Brown develop soon, watch out!

Agree, and the great thing about Kyrie is that he has been called the best one on one player in the entire NBA. His ability to get off and make difficult shots against any competition is truly incredible. Add Haywards one on one ability as well with Horfords low post game and Tatum off the bench and this team will be very difficult to defend.

[SparzWizard]

Don't forget about playoffs Al Horford. Guy is a beast, and surround him with two go-to scorers and the young studs, man this team is going to be a nightmare for many teams.

[Celtics17]

Let's not forget what these additions are going to do for Jaylen Brown. With Kyrie and Hayward shooting and penetrating things should really open up for Brown. He will be able to drive without necessarily a lot of dribbling and the guy can jump over almost anyone. I can see him having games where he is absolutely dominant. If this happens on a somewhat regular basis this team makes the finals and may give GS more then think!

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

I still say IT has been unfairly criticized for his playoff performance, for the very reason the OP states—he was Boston’s only legit scorer, so teams could get away with doubling or even tripling him. If Hayward had been here last season, that wouldn't have worked.

But yes, having two legit scorers—and more, if Tatum and/or Brown emerge like we hope—will make a huge difference come playoff time.

[Celtics4ever]

I think the most important change was losing Bradley and it will be up to someone to step into the fold and try to replace him.   AB played solid D, but it was not what it used to be, I think Smart can replace that.  I am not sure if anyone can replace his offense.

It will be nice to not be so small, too.   I realize that we have no bigs over 6-10 but we got bigger across the board.

[SHAQATTACK]

no more talk about brinks truck .

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

I agree. We went from maybe 1 player (IT) who can score from anywhere to 3. Tatum can absolutely score from everywhere. Our big 3 will space the floor for him too

and we have 5 who CAN create their own shot in their own way.  KI, GH, JT, MM, and AH.

[Hank Finkel]

A lot has been said about all the offseason moves, and with such a great deal of roster turnover, this is really a totally different team now. I know there are a great number of posts about the benefits of adding Kyrie, Hayward, Tatum, Morris, Baynes, Theis and even Yabusele and Ojeyle, and about losing core guys like IT, Bradley, Crowder, Amir, and Olynyk.

I think the single biggest change in our team though has been largely overlooked. It is that we now have two prime-time scorers in Kyrie and Hayward, who can create their own shots and be a top tier go to guy down the stretch, possibly 3 if Tatum or Brown make the jump. That is huge!! That is what wins playoff games, that was our major limiting factor since the Pierce-KG-Allen era, and something Ainge stated repeatedly in interviews that he was looking for, but was the hardest thing to obtain in the NBA. We not only got one, we got two and possibly 3 of those guys this summer when you include Tatum. As much as I love Bradley and IT, they pale in comparison when it comes to shot creating and clutch scoring when defenses tighten. I know IT did it impressively last season, but his body gave out during the Wizards series, and he just doesn't have the physical makeup to keep that up long term.

Talent, especially premier scoring talent, wins in the NBA. Kyrie and Hayward's playing styles are going to mesh so well together , and it will be impossible for defenses to stop them at the end of games. If Tatum and/or Brown develop soon, watch out!

I agree. We have two prime time scorers which we didn't have last year.  We need to replace Bradley's defense with Brown. I am not sure what BS is going to do with Morris but he is every bit as good as Crowder.  And we still have Horford as a third scoring option although it's a distant third option.  Everyone else is a roll player that BS will have to mold into a cohesive unit come playoff time.  It's going to be an exciting season. 

[spikelovetheCelts]

I agree. We went from maybe 1 player (IT) who can score from anywhere to 3. Tatum can absolutely score from everywhere. Our big 3 will space the floor for him too

and we have 5 who CAN create their own shot in their own way.  KI, GH, JT, MM, and AH.

Smart had a big playoff game and has looked like he has put in the work too. I think he is the key to being very good or winning the East. If he has a jump shot look out east.

[mr. dee]

Remember when Ty Lue said Brad's schemes are hard to defend? It is true in a sense and now we have the right personnel to execute his offense fluidly. Icing on the cake if Jaylen reached his offensive potential early and Smart improved his shooting.

[SHAQATTACK]

Remember when Ty Lue said Brad's schemes are hard to defend? It is true in a sense and now we have the right personnel to execute his offense fluidly. Icing on the cake if Jaylen reached his offensive potential early and Smart improved his shooting.

CBS when interviewed before Cavs games was  as all stary eyed when asked about what it takes to stop Irving ,  i think once he said you just wish he was on your team and didn't have to worry about stopping him, cause you can 't.   

CBS ...with lots of new shiney toys .....this could be really fun.....if these guys all by in and click .....celtics will be pounding some teams really bad.

[mctyson]

I think the single biggest change in our team though has been largely overlooked. It is that we now have two prime-time scorers in Kyrie and Hayward, who can create their own shots and be a top tier go to guy down the stretch, possibly 3 if Tatum or Brown make the jump. That is huge!!

No doubt.  This team's biggest weakness last year was offense with IT off the floor.  Signing Hayward corrected that, and Kyrie is a better offensive isolation player than IT.  With either in the game there should be little problem scoring.