By Barry Hirshfeld
Mediocre: The Boston Celtics’ performance succeeding their previous championship in 2008. After the separation of the 08 Celtics dream team, the eastern conference franchise hasn’t had much measurable playoff success. The Celtics have drafted and acquired a handful of star players in the last decade, ranging from Kyrie Irving to Jayson Tatum. Although the team has come nothing short of possessing average playoff seeding and achieving minimal playoff success––rarely making it out of the first two rounds.
Youthful all-star duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to develop and lead the Celtics, displayed by their performances in the teams first NBA preseason win against the Magic on October 4. The duo combined for 43 points, 13 rebounds, 4 steals, and 5 assists while barely defeating Orlando 98-97. Ordinary performances from assisting players Marcus Smart, Robert Williams, Dennis Schroeder, Josh Richardson, etc… account for the Celtic’s near win against the sub-par team. Subtle off-season additions, Dennis Schroeder and Josh Richardson add to the Celtics bench depth, yet rarely make up for their loss of power forward Daniel Theis. The franchise will probably accomplish little more than they did last year, and should focus on signing an additional star and developing their young surrounding talent, Payton Pritchard and Aaron Nesmith, whilst reaching an average playoff seed.
Despite the sentiment of mediocracy recently surrounding the Celtics, I believe they will contend and possibly win another ring in the next five years. However, the construction of super teams such as the Lakers, Nets, Bucks, Bulls, etc… force me to believe that this year is not our year.