A 104-92 loss last night against the Atlanta Hawks, ended the Celtics 2015-2016 season, but there were milestones that have been accomplished throughout the season and the development of players during clutch moments.
Isaiah Thomas was a cornerstone in this Celtics offense the entire year and hopefully many more to come. Thomas averaged 22 points this year (Thomas was spectacular in postseason with a 42 point performance in the Game 3 victory) to go along with 6 assists a game and 3 boards. The reliability of Isaiah Thomas during games was astronomical for Brad Stevens and company but they knew he could carry the load day in and day out.
Besides Thomas, players like Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Marcus Smart, Evan Turner, Jonas Jerebko (stepped up game in postseason), Amir Johnson and Sully all get good amount of minutes and they play fantastic team basketball. Players who really stepped up when it mattered made the most of their minutes and delivered. Isaiah Thomas, Terry Rozier, at one point Jordan Mickey, Evan Turner, Tyler Zeller, Kelly Olynyk, etc.
The potential for the C’s to continue growing is there and Coach Stevens, now has won 2 playoff games to add to his resume, has really developed this team into a contender that has done great things this year like for example, taking down Golden State at Oracle Arena. As the NBA Draft looms closer and closer, the lottery pick the C’s own could end up working in their favor. If getting the #1 pick or below, the C’s need to get someone that could instantly make a start and be a difference maker on both ends of the floor. A superstar isn’t so likely as many people believe in Ben Simmons but I think there are more options out their than Ben Simmons. Buddy Hield, Kris Dunn, Jamal Murray, even Denzel Valentine are options the C’s can be looking at.
An excellent run this year with a regular season record of 48-34, the C’s are primed to come out of the gate and be a top contender.
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