Boston Celtics: 2016-17 Season Holds Rafter-Like Expectations

High expectations are on the board for the Boston Celtics as they ready themselves for the 2016-17 season.

The question is: are they ready to take that next step?

The banners of previous championships, hanging high in the rafters above, are motivation enough for these current Celtics to add to Boston’s storied history. After two straight first-round exits, expectations are high that the Celtics can do exactly that.

The Celtics promised to be big players in the free agent market over the summer. While one of their targets got away, Boston was able to lure Al Horford from the Atlanta Hawks to the tune of 113 million dollars.

Core unit gaining experience

The core unit of Boston is now entering their third season together (for the most part). Chemistry on the court is a pretty important factor, especially when the playoffs come around. By keeping (most of) the lineup in tact, Boston GM Danny Ainge is showing he is out to win a title.

All-star Thomas is once again a player to watch. Thomas averaged 22.2 points per game last season and continues to improve. With Horford in the lineup, Thomas should find more opportunities to score and even distribute the ball.

Crowder and Avery Bradley, both once again healthy, are the defensive stalwarts of the team. Both also can score in the 20’s when needed.

Amir Johnson, Tyler Zeller and Kelly Olynyk all return as well. Johnson brought a shot-blocking force to the team last season. Both Zeller, who had an excellent 2014 but took a step backwards last season, and Olynyk, who has shown signs of brilliance, both will need to be at the top of their games.

Keep Improving

Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier are also integral parts to the success of this season’s team. Smart will be relied on for his defense as well. When healthy, he was one of the best defenders in the Eastern Conference. Finding the ability to score more will also help take some of the pressure off of Thomas.

Rozier has shown tremendous growth over the summer. His contributions will be needed to help limit the minutes of the starters, something that thwarted the Celtics last postseason.

Rookie Jaylen Brown also might be expected to contribute meaningful minutes and is someone to keep an eye on throughout training camp.

Key losses

Two players that helped with the growth of the Celtics the past two seasons have moved on. Evan Turner signed with the Portland Trail Blazers while Jared Sullinger took his talents across the border to the Toronto Raptors.

Turner provided veteran leadership to the Celtics. He also filled up the stat sheet, doing what the Celtics needed on any given night, whether it be passing, scoring or defense.

Sullinger had his ups and downs in Boston, but steadily improved over the past two season. It helped that he was healthy and provided strong rebounding. He never quite lived up to his potential in Boston, though.

Banner number 18 will take some work. The defending champion Cavs are still the cream-of-the-crop and Toronto isn’t far behind. The Celtics are creeping right behind them, though, thanks to the addition of Horford. And with the team being together for a few years now, with the way players hop around, will only be an asset.

Next: Patriots Lackluster Play Leads to 16-0 Defeat

Is it enough to add to pantheon of Boston history? Only the rafters of the summer of 2017 will tell.

The first steps begin on Tuesday, when the Celtics travel to Philadelphia to take on the 76ers for their first exhibition game.

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