Boston Celtics: Spotlight on future overshadows current success
It was quite the week in New England as the Boston Celtics won a dramatic game seven, advanced in the playoffs, and had a lottery ball land in their favor.
Oh, the places speculation will take you. From free agency signings to in-depth draft projections, the Boston Celtics are no different.
It’s fun to imagine the possibilities, but the Celtics are still in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Remember?
Don’t worry. Forgetting can be easy considering it’s rare for a team this far along in the playoffs to also hold the number one pick.
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A game one loss at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers have momentarily tempered spirits. The loss–and possible series foreshadowing–should do nothing to dampen the success the Celtics achieved this season.
Are the Celtics a superstar away? No. Dreaming of stars like Gordon Hayward, Paul George, and Jimmy Butler is nice but not necessarily needed.
It’s been said before and can be clearly seen anytime this team plays the Cavs: the Celtics need a rebounder/rim protector/inside stalwart to overtake the reigning NBA champs.
The trio of Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, and Jae Crowder already provide a solid perimeter unit (and across the board, when LeBron James isn’t involved). Upping the ante in the interior would give this already exciting team an added dimension sorely needed.
The Celtics–despite the game one loss–are still in good position heading into game two against the Cavs.
Expanding on a strong foundation
Head coach Brad Stevens and General Manager Danny Ainge have turned the Celtics from rebuilding afterthoughts to championship contender.
Over the past three seasons–all ending in the playoffs–we’ve watched the Celtics take things a step further with each go-around.
Has this group hit the proverbial wall? Not quite.
They still have things they want to–and can–accomplish this season. Isaiah Thomas was recently named to the All-NBA second team (pay the man). Avery Bradley has proved to be a reliable scorer in the playoffs. And Al Horford continues to show an all-around aspect to his game that has carried Boston at times.
A young core is also present, with Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown both taking their games to new levels this season. Some even say it’s time to unleash Brown if the Celtics hope to win this series.
Advancing to the NBA Finals is the next step on the list, of course. If history is any indication, the Celtics might be a year away due to the perceived “pecking order” battles taking place between teams dating back to the 1980’s.
The Detroit Pistons finally overtaking the Celtics. The Chicago Bulls taking down the Pistons. A bunch of teams (the Knicks, the Pacers, the Magic, the 76ers, even the Nets) duking it out before giving way to the Cavs. And then the Celtics, followed by the Heat.
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And the cycle continues. The Celtics and LeBron led teams have been in the pit for a good decade now. Boston might be a season away from once again fulfilling their destiny in the pecking order. At least they have the talent, here in the present, to keep things interesting.