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Boston Celtics 2016-17 Season Preview And Predictions

By Adam Nazzaro

Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts on the bench against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts on the bench against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Celtics 110-83. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) guards Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Celtics defeated the Nuggets 121-101. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) guards Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Celtics defeated the Nuggets 121-101. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Individual Predictions

Most Improved

G Terry Rozier

This will be Rozier’s second year in the NBA, and from what we’ve seen this summer, it looks like he’s been working on this game this summer. In the NBA Summer League this past summer, Rozier averaged 20.0 PPG and usually looked like the best player on the court period. With G Marcus Smart injured coming into the season, I could realistically see Rozier challenging Smart for the 6th man of this young team. The Celtics first-round pick from a year ago looks to have a lot to prove after having his minutes increase last season toward the end compared to earlier in the season. Look for Rozier to be a great two-way player this year, along with this 6-1 190 pounders  athleticism and poise to help develop him into one improved NBA player.

Most To Prove

G Marcus Smart

Smart is one of the best athletes in the NBA, but without an offensive game it won’t matter. Smart has shown what he can do on defense with his intensity and speed. You have seen at moments Smart tear up the perimeter shooting, but for the most part he has been inconsistent on the offensive side of the ball. I’m sure all Smart did this summer was shooting three’s in the gym till he physically couldn’t anymore. The guy is an absolute workhorse, who is one of those players like Kevin Garnett or Paul Pierce that have that “never say die” mentality. I see Smart working out of this slump that has gone on for the beginning part of his career, if he could expand his game offensively there is no question that this guy is an all-star.

MVP

G Isaiah Thomas

This team is going to be one of those teams that remind you of the Celtics between 2008-12, they won’t have a guy who’s about his stats, but more about the team. You’ll see different players with a game-high in points every night, as the C’s are so unselfish and more importantly all about defense to close out a team at the end of a game.

Thomas, who is coming off of his best year in the NBA I think will be even better this year, you can obviously see his drive, but more importantly he has a “big man” in Al Horford now. Dishing the ball down low won’t be a problem for Thomas this year, not only will you see his PPG go up, but I believe his assist numbers will be at an all-time high. Thomas wants to be like Allen Iverson, and although that is a stretch I could see Thomas getting more rings then AI and I think that’s more important to Thomas at the end of the day.

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