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Celtics: No Durant, No problem?

By Robert Doherty

Mar 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) in the second half at TD Garden. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Celtics 130-109. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) works the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) in the second half at TD Garden. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Celtics 130-109. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could the Boston Celtics rebound after losing Kevin Durant this summer?

The Boston Celtics almost had a great summer.

Missing out on Kevin Durant makes everything else this summer close to a waste. Sure, Al Horford signing a four year deal was nice. The first free agent kind of in his prime (30 years old) to pick Boston over any other team. Horford is a nice player but just adding him to the existing group the Celtics have doesn’t really do much. The Celtics over achieved a little bit last season so adding Horford to the mix will keep them right in the middle of the east in my eyes.

Apr 13, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat forward Josh McRoberts (4) knocks the ball away from Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (left) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Miami Heat forward Josh McRoberts (4) knocks the ball away from Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (left) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

If you look at just numbers Horford averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds last year while Jared Sullinger averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds, in almost ten minutes less per game. I’m not saying that Sullinger is a better player, I’m saying that Horford isn’t that good.

The only slightly intriguing thing about Horford is that just last season he became a legit three point threat. In his career he has hoisted 321 threes and 256 of those came last season. He shoots it pretty well too, 34% from three for a big man is good. He also can shoot free throws which is very important for a rim protector, that will keep him on the court in crunch time.

If Durant chose Boston it  would have made the Horford move more useful. Those two guys added into the mix would have taken the Celtics to the top of the East. The biggest problem the Celtics have is the lack of a legit scorer, or closer. There is still nobody who can close a game for the Celtics. I love Isaiah Thomas but he needs some major help on offense.

Now factor in the loss of Evan Turner who was the only player the Celtics had that could create a shot for himself, and he did have the ball in his hands an awful lot to finish games. Who steps up to handle that role? Are we still hoping that Marcus Smart develops an offensive game? Maybe Jaylen Brown can pitch in but the book on him is that he can’t shoot.

So the Celtics had some fireworks this summer but nothing major enough to jump their status in the East. Still the Celtics are nowhere close to competing with Cleveland, they might now be able to beat Atlanta if they meet in the playoffs though so that’s good.

Next: Interesting Start to Free Agency for Bruins

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