Via The Ringer
Key Players: Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Al Horford
After years of folding, Boston GM Danny Ainge finally played his offseason hand; his winnings came in the form of All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. The opportunity to join the No.1 seed in the East while reuniting with his Butler coach Brad Stevens was too much for Hayward to pass up on. However, Boston did suffer roster casualties in their pursuit of the All-Star forward. Needing to free up $128 million, the Celtics were forced to trade defensive aficionado Avery Bradley to Detroit and release forward Jordan Mickey. Boston had one of the biggest moves of the summer; then Ainge decided to make an even bigger one. Danny Ainge went with the bold decision of trading 5'9" megastar Isaiah Thomas along with the versatile Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic, and the blood of Danny Ainge's first born( unprotected 2018 Nets first round pick, same difference) for the four time All-Star Kyrie Irving.
Best Case Scenario
Via Pinterest
Boston has officially entered the realm of Finals or bust. Imagine if Adam Sandler had been traded for an equally talented more conventional player in 'The Waterboy'; fans would have their torches ready, but not lit yet--just in case the situation works out. Isaiah Thomas is Adam Sandler and Kyrie Irving is that more conventional player. Other than from a loyalty standpoint, there has been no criticism thrown at the Celtics. However, fans do have their stones ready if the team can't surpass the success of Thomas-led teams. Irving and Hayward should thrive in Stevens' pick-and-role offense. Expect third overall pick Jayson Tatum to transfer glimpses of his impressive 17.7 points per game Summer League into the upcoming season. Guards Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier have to learn to play better to fully maximize the Celtics' bench potential. Smart shoots an atrocious 23 percent from deep with Rozier on-court, while Rozier shoots a below average 36 percent with Smart as his backcourt partner. The last key to the Celtics' perfect season is Irving's flat-earth theory mocker--Jaylen Brown. Brown, 2016's third overall pick, is the clear choice to fill the void left by Crowder, and has the potential to push this Celtics team into being true contenders.
Worst Case Scenario
Via Thunder Digest
Despite a great offseason, the Celtics still have a few glaring holes. Kyrie Irving not being a superstar should be the basis of every Bostonian's nightmares. In all likelihood, Irving could've been at his peak next to LeBron James and all those spectacular Finals' performances came thanks to James. Neither Irving or Hayward has proven they the ability to lead a team to playoff success. Hayward only got as far as the second round in Utah, while Irving was nowhere near reaching the playoffs before LeBron returned. Despite having skilled big man Al Horford, Boston was one of the five worst rebounding teams in the NBA last season, and losing the team's best rebounder Amir Johnson to free agency doesn't make them any better. The icing on the cake of the Celtics' worst case scenario would be watching Kyrie struggle all season, while the Cavs strive and end up with the number one overall pick.
Prediction: 58-24