Boston Celtics: 4 storylines that defined a memorable 2017-18 season

What next?

It’s going to be a long summer, one with many choices internally and around the league. The Boston Celtics are going to have to make a decision on Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier. Neither one had a great audition in Game 7.

Aron Baynes, Greg Monroe, and Shane Larkin has an option left on a two-year deal. Larkin and Baynes played important roles in the playoffs. Monroe didn’t get much opportunity, but his tank isn’t close to empty.

Of course, everyone team’s decision-making group will follow every step of LeBron’s summer plans. The Celtics especially, seeing that he was the only man to stop them. If he heads west, the Celtics are in good shape. If he stays East, the chances of a rematch grow only stronger.

For now, the Celtics are probably feeling like an ugly penny left on the side of the road. This loss will carry with them for days, maybe weeks, maybe even months. But as soon as training camp begins, with whatever players are still in green, it’s time to go to work.

Those from last year will have a gigantic chip on their shoulder, an extra source of motivation. They got us last year, but this year will be different.

Jayson Tatum will continue to grow. Jaylen Brown will continue to grow. Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward will bring skills that make this year’s team look like silly. In 2019, the Celtics will truly be on the rise. The rest of the league better watch out, because Boston is coming out strong next October.

Next: The 5 faces of the Boston Celtics: The coach, the stars and the future

The Chinese New Year calendar deems 2019 as the year of the pig. I don’t agree. 2019 will be the year of the leprechaun, the year of the clover, the year of the Boston Celtics.