Silver lining without Kyrie

[KGBirdBias]

I think we need Kyrie to win a title. I don't think we need Kyrie to get to the East Finals. I've noticed and said this on other threads that the ball moves better when Kyrie is out. It's going to be hard to double anyone. Kyrie is a closer but Kyrie isn't a great passer and I think Stevens will now be able to use the entire playbook. Halfcourt offense in the playoffs is key, so how can teams tilt the defense when they don't know if Tatum, Horford or Rozier will be initiating the offense.

Just trying to say it's not the end of the world. The team has a great record without Kyrie. I think he's going to come back much better. I just don't believe the Cavs play good enough defense to win the East. To me Philly is the team to watch.

[PaulAllen]

In a weird way its a good thing... Celtics werent winning a title this year and DA & BS knew it.. It also means DA will push even harder to get either Davis or Leonard next season and that is where the dynasty begins with Kyrie, Hayward and hopefully one of the young guys..

btw without Kyrie the Celts have no chance against the Cavs or Raptors for that matter ..

[Somebody]

I still believe we can make the finals even with Kyrie out, we just need leaps from our young guys and everyone working as a unit.
LET'S GO CELTICS!!!

[iadera]

I also think this team can beat any teem seeded. It's out of the question. What I hardly expect is constant winning and that's what you need to do to win the series. Instead of having any expectations, let us just enjoy the show that Brown and Tatum can make and I truly believe they will. Winning or loosing just doesn't matter this time.

[Fred Roberts]

The silver lining here is that the Boston Celtics are stacked top to bottom based on what we've witnessed this year.

Tatum, Brown, Rozier & Morris have really impressed and will be fun to watch with Big Al, Monroe, Semi, Yabs and Larkin in the playoffs.

Smart, Theis, Kyrie and Hayward are proven and will make the Celts a top flight contender next year.

It sucks we don't have all the guys now ... but the team is mostly young and already showing real talent.

[Donoghus]

The only silver lining I see is the kids getting throw into the fire and getting burden with more responsibility to step up. 

It's a great opportunity for Rozier, Brown, & Tatum to continue their growth.

[PAOBoston]

Best thing that could happen at this point is the C's young guys play well in the playoffs with national attention on them. In particular, I'm hoping we get the Scary Terry for as long as Cs are in it to boost his trade value as much as possible. I don't think the C's have a legit shot in keeping him after next season so him going into this off-season with sky high value would be best case scenario. Same for Brown and Tatum (I think the likelihood of these guys getting traded is slim).

[Phantom255x]

In a weird way its a good thing... Celtics werent winning a title this year and DA & BS knew it.. It also means DA will push even harder to get either Davis or Leonard next season and that is where the dynasty begins with Kyrie, Hayward and hopefully one of the young guys..

btw without Kyrie the Celts have no chance against the Cavs or Raptors for that matter ..

Huh, why? I mean what changed that now DA will "push even harder"?

I think they keep the same team w/healthy Hayward, and if anything, keeps one of Baynes/Monroe and/or signs a replacement. Nothing too crazy (oh, and probably trying to keep Smart on a reasonable rate)

[playdream]

We aren't winning the title if Smart didn't comeback 100%
You need Smart to match up Draymond green while Brown on Klay, Tatum on Durant and Rozier on Curry, AL will be the difference maker here.

[chiken Green]

We can win a Title with a healthy Hayward, Irving, Brown, Tatum and Hortford.. There is no need to Add any other MAJOR piece...  This team is loaded next year..

[csfansince60s]

We can win a Title with a healthy Hayward, Irving, Brown, Tatum and Hortford.. There is no need to Add any other MAJOR piece...  This team is loaded next year..

I agree with this.

Roll with what we got.

Leonard and Davis are great players, but both are injury-prone and Leonard has become a head case.

No Thanks!!

[Neurotic Guy]

We can win a Title with a healthy Hayward, Irving, Brown, Tatum and Hortford.. There is no need to Add any other MAJOR piece...  This team is loaded next year..

I agree with this.

Roll with what we got.

Leonard and Davis are great players, but both are injury-prone and Leonard has become a head case.

No Thanks!!

Having 2 top 20 players (KI and GH) is great, but I still am a believer that you need a top 5-ish guy.  KI may push top 10 I suppose.   The big question is how quickly do Brown and Tatum get to their ceilings — and how high are those ceilings... ?  I do think they need to trade for a top.guy if they get the chance.   Or.... get a lottery miracle  this June.

[green_bballers13]

We can win a Title with a healthy Hayward, Irving, Brown, Tatum and Hortford.. There is no need to Add any other MAJOR piece...  This team is loaded next year..

I agree with this.

Roll with what we got.

Leonard and Davis are great players, but both are injury-prone and Leonard has become a head case.

No Thanks!!

Having 2 top 20 players (KI and GH) is great, but I still am a believer that you need a top 5-ish guy.  KI may push top 10 I suppose.   The big question is how quickly do Brown and Tatum get to their ceilings — and how high are those ceilings... ?  I do think they need to trade for a top.guy if they get the chance.   Or.... get a lottery miracle  this June.

I agree. Generally, you need a top player or two.

If this current Celtics team maxes out their potential in the next 2-3 years, they can win a championship. In this scenario, Irving, Brown, Hayward, and Tatum all make the all star game (or get close to it). Having 4 top 30 players would be a great start. Horford may/may not make it until our young guys are stars. Add in superior defender/glue guys and the Celtics are hard to beat.

[tarheelsxxiii]

Absolutely.  We can rest assured that every guy on the court is committed to the team.  I'll tune into every playoff game.  Hopefully one of our 'little big 3' (Rozier, Tatum, Brownie) shows out on the big stage.

[SHAQATTACK]

Irving and Haywad will both be rested and motivated for next training camp.

Thats a huge PLUS advantage going in.


Next sesaon is gonna be awsome .......add Brown and Tatum added mature game.