2. Boston Celtics
Notable Additions: Gordon Hayward, Robert Williams
Notable Subtractions: None
The Celtics’ season hinges on health and Jayson Tatum’s growth. Other than five minutes, we have yet to see their best lineup of Kyrie Irving, Jaylen Brown, Tatum, Gordon Hayward, and Al Horford. Gordon Hayward was arguably a top-15 player in the league when healthy. Al Horford was arguably in that tier last season as well and Kyrie is Kyrie. Tatum is arguably a future superstar and Brown is arguably a future all-star.
If their young key pieces make significant leaps next season, Hayward and Irving are healthy, and Horford can replicate his play from last season to go along with a top-2 coach in Brad Stevens, they can legitimately challenge the Warriors.
Other than the 2016 NBA Finals, the last several NBA Finals have all been lopsided. Although the 2015 Finals went 6 games, the Cavs minus Kyrie and Kevin Love had no chance at beating the Warriors. This Celtics team could make an incredible championship series. Boston is still arguably the best defense in the league and should only get better offensively.
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