2016-17 NBA Season Preview: Boston Celtics
Welcome to theScore's preview of the 2016-17 NBA season.
Boston Celtics
2015-16
| Record | Atlantic | East | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-34 | 2nd | 5th | Lost in Round 1 (4-2 ATL) |
Offseason roundup
| Additions | Departures |
|---|---|
| Al Horford (4/$113M) | Jared Sullinger (TOR) |
| Gerald Green (1/$1M) | Evan Turner (POR) |
| Jaylen Brown (draft) | |
| Guerschon Yabusele (draft) | |
| Ante Zizic (draft) | |
| Deyonta Davis (draft) | |
| Demetrius Jackson (draft) | |
| Ben Bentil (draft) | |
| Abdel Nader (draft) |
- Re-signed Tyler Zeller (2-year, $16M contract)
Projected starting five
- PG Isaiah Thomas
- SG Avery Bradley
- SF Jae Crowder
- PF Al Horford
- C Amir Johnson
Related: 3 stars the Celtics might target in trade
Player to watch: Marcus Smart
The addition of Al Horford is a huge win for the Celtics on so many levels. Not only did Danny Ainge finally lure a star free agent to Boston, but, most importantly, having Horford on board finally gives the Celtics a legitimate two-way frontcourt player.
Adding him, however, did come at the cost of depth. Shedding Jared Sullinger wasn't a big deal, but losing Evan Turner puts a serious strain on Boston's backcourt. Turner marshaled the second unit and was often tasked with closing out games. His ball-handling was vital to Boston's success in the last two seasons.
Someone needs to step up in Turner's absence, and the most likely candidate is Marcus Smart. He's expected to lead the bench unit, and has already volunteered himself for more responsibilities on offense.
"Becoming more aggressive. Becoming more of an offensive threat," Smart told Celtics.com. "I'm improving and trying to improve every aspect of my game. Trying to become more of a second to third, fourth option on the team in scoring, assists and everything."
In order to improve as a floor general, Smart needs to hone his jump shot. He was the most inaccurate volume 3-point shooter in the league last season, and his lack of range gives defenses an excuse to pack the paint. He won't be able to run an efficient offense if he himself is unable to score.
Smart's career field-goal percentage through two seasons sits at 35.7 - that figure has to increase.
Season expectations
If Smart (or Terry Rozier) can supply enough offense off the bench, and if everyone stays healthy, the Celtics have a good chance to push the Toronto Raptors for the second seed in the East.
Boston kept their young core intact after finishing in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive efficiency last season. Factor in another year of development under Brad Stevens for Boston's prospects, and they could be scary to deal with.
Making the playoffs should be a foregone conclusion, especially after adding Horford to the mix.
However, the Celtics have to get the proverbial monkey off their backs by actually making it out of the first round for once. They haven't had much top-notch talent in years past, but Horford gives them a legitimate second option to pair with Isaiah Thomas.
A deep playoff run should be well within Boston's capabilities this season.