I could see Tatum taking the leap this year and putting up 22 or so while making all star. JB also looks like he's finally putting it all together. You can make the case that he was in fact their best player in last years playoffs. Or most consistent at least.
Not only am I sleeping on the Celtics, I'm taking naps, day dreaming, starring, etc. They lost too much
All things considered Kemba might end up being better than Irving, he's less talented, but he's also a better lockeroom guy presence, that alone will probably benefit the team overall. But losing Horford eh, i feel like that's going to hurt them, cause Kanter won't be able to give them anything on defense. And just somehting else to consdier, they also lost Morris, he was pretty good for them.
I agree with Viv about Kemba likely ending up better for them than Kyrie. You've got the natural growth of Tatum. (maybe "superstar" talent) Hayward looks to be healthy.. was looking better and better at the end of the year. Whether playing, or as a trade chip, he's going to figure big into their plans. Kanter is a steal @2yrs/10 mil ...I know many decry his defensive shortcomings, but Enes stepped up/showed his wares in the playoffs. Remember his pedigree. It's undeniable that he's reclaiming some of his original draft value. Jaylen Brown is young, and still improving....not on Tatum's level, but still becoming a very good player. They have two rookies that can play. And, Boston has flexibility/talent/assets to make major moves
I think they lost too much firepower. Kemba could be better for them than Kyire, but losing Horford and Morris is pretty big. Kanter isn't a defensive anchor so what is the identity of the team? They'll need Tatum to be a superstar to be competitive.
Plowman, I think you're on to something.. maybe. Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart were playing about 27 minutes a game, Tatum at 31. All three of those guys can play 35-38 minutes a game I'm guessing and if they do they'll be okay. The one thing is they lost Terry Rozier to Charlotte and that'll hurt. Ball handling depth matters and they lost a bunch. If you believe Hayward can go back to being the guy he was in Utah, I may really buy into your call. The other part is that they're gonna reap the benefit of gelling with team USA, but that gel won't mean much during the playoffs or later in the season. They'll come out of the gates firing then level off once the rest of the league gels.
Godfather - How could I leave out Marcus Smart? Yeah, losing Rozier hurts, but they likely have his successor in Edwards, and are loaded in the backcourt anyway. Hayward is an interesting case. I always saw him as being overrated/not worth that contract. To me, he was an unknown factor when joining this team. Then, snap..the horrible injury happened. Again, I like the way he looked as he was coming back. One way or another this guy will be a factor. I see an inseason deal to bolster this lineup.
They look weak to me. I 100% agree though, passing on Horford was a good idea. 76ers are ridiculous for giving him that contract at his age. That doesn't mean he still wasn't a big loss for them on the court. They brought back the same team, with a downgraded Kyrie, without Horford, without Baynes, without Rozier. Only new piece in (outside of draft picks) is Kanter... who's a net negative type of player against most teams in today's age. What Celtics have to pray for, is Hayward coming back strong, Tatum taking a leap, and young guys like Williams and Edwards making big impacts. Overall not looking strong, but hoping to grow is where they are at IMO.