The Boston Celtics are back, and there’s a different feeling in the air on Causeway Street.
After a whirlwind offseason that saw the Celtics whiff on Kevin Durant but land All-Star big man Al Horford, Boston enters the 2016-17 campaign with its highest expectations since the Big Three disbanded.
With Horford and rookie Jaylen Brown added to a club that boasts a solid returning core led by point guard Isaiah Thomas, Brad Stevens has a high bar to reach in his fourth season as an NBA head coach.
Of course, optimism always comes with question marks, and this Celtics team has plenty. Let’s take a look at four burning questions for Team Green with Wednesday’s season opener against the Brooklyn Nets on the horizon.
1. How much better is this team with Al Horford?
Horford arguably is the biggest free-agent signing in Celtics history, so plenty of eyes will be on No. 42 this season. He’s obviously no Durant, but Horford should be a great fit in Boston with his versatility on offense and shot-blocking ability on defense. The 30-year-old gives the Celtics a legitimate scoring threat outside Thomas and should open the floor up for solid offensive options like Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley.
With Horford on the roster, the C’s are capable of being the second-best team in the Eastern Conference, behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2. What impact will Jaylen Brown make in his rookie year?
After getting booed by Celtics fans on draft night, Brown could be an X-factor for Brad Stevens’ club. The third overall pick has looked good in preseason action, showcasing his incredible athleticism while featuring a solid, if still raw, offensive skill set. Evan Turner’s departure left a big hole at wing for Boston, but if Brown can accelerate his learning curve, he could give the C’s a huge boost by filling that void.
Brown will be one of the most important rookies to watch in the NBA this season.
3. Can Marcus Smart take the next step?
During a recent interview with ESPN Radio, Horford was asked which new teammate has impressed him the most so far. His answer: Marcus Smart.
The sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft already is one of the league’s fiercest defenders and can be a spark plug on offense. But Smart’s game still is unpolished; he shot just 35 percent from the floor and 25 percent from 3-point range during a streaky 2015-16 campaign. The 22-year-old gets to the rim with a purpose, though, and if he can develop a jump shot (and stay healthy), he could stake a claim as one of the best young two-way players in the game.
Smart’s success or failure could have huge implications for the success of this team.
4. Are the Celtics ready for a deep playoff run?
With success comes raised expectations, and that’s what faces the Celtics this season. An overachieving, 48-win campaign last season was marred by an early playoff exit, and with Horford now in the mix, this season will be viewed as a disappointment if Boston can’t advance past the first round. (barring major injuries, of course).
Stevens has yet to win a playoff series as an NBA head coach, and this still is an inexperienced club compared to the NBA’s elite. Yet Boston’s current roster has enough talent and chemistry to be a top-three seed in the East this season, and a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals is a lofty but reasonable goal.
Thumbnail photo via Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports Images
