The NBA schedule has already begun Tuesday night, but for the Boston Celtics, the hype train is for real and the new additions like Al Horford, Gerald Green, and Jaylen Brown, all hope to bring the title back to Beantown for the 18th time, but that is the long-term goal.
The addition of Al Horford from Atlanta (4 year 113 million dollar contract) was pricey, as the NBA salary cap expanded this year, thus giving players more money. Horford is one of the most consistent players in the NBA regardless of the multi million dollar deal, and the potential of where Horford can guide this team can be further than last year. Taking on the role Amir Johnson possessed down low, Horford can shoot the perimeter shot well while posting up and getting to the line. Johnson will move to the center spot where he has flourished on second chance opportunity points last season and providing a late spark.
Along with Horford, C’s 3rd overall selection in this year’s draft Jaylen Brown provides an athletic wing with Jae Crowder and his athleticism is legit. Brown has been considered a “sleeper” pick despite being selected 3rd overall, but this could be the best setup for Brown to develop within the system of Boston and flourish into a overall top talent. Other players drafted this year like Demetrius Jackson may need time to develop as a player coming fresh from college, but the immediate impact will come sooner or later.
The young talent Boston possesses is deadly in the coming years, when they gain more experience, but why wait a few years? Going into this year, players like Jordan Mickey, Kelly Olynyk, Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart have developed and are ready to start another chapter with coach Brad Stevens. Stevens, a genius according to fellow coaches and staff around the league, perfectly fits into the mold of younger players and their development. Being one of the youngest coaches in the league (40), Stevens has gained the trust of many coaches and he has many bright years ahead of him.
Against Brooklyn tonight, the C’s have ruled out Kelly Olynyk and Marcus Smart due to injuries, as the Nets have a few guys on the injured report as well. Coming out with a win in tonight’s game will not only build confidence in the locker room and court, but getting the season off to the right start.
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