NFL
The 2020-2021 NBA season is approaching rapidly and the Boston Celtics have made adjustments and upgrades to best equip themselves for another experimental and unpredictable season. This year will showcase which contenders are deep enough to adapt to the changing COVID-19 environment and implications. On top of that, will also indicate which teams are prepared enough for a deep playoff run coming off of an abrupt offseason. Boston may be well on that path by maximizing these three pivotal factors.
1. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s Improving Duo Dynamic
With Tatum entering his fourth season and Brown entering his fifth, both individual players have grown tremendously through their years in the league. But a notable pillar to their success is their chemistry on and off the court that makes them such a threat. Not only have the two averaged 20+ points and 6+ rebounds last season, but the opposing personalities have learned to gel with each other more effectively as they continue to develop.
According to an article by Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, it’s been revealed that the two have “different interests.” Brown, 23, is more expressive with his thoughts outside of basketball and focused on the issues of social justice and education. Tatum, 23, is more reserved with himself but respects the differences with his starting shooting guard. Aside from these differences though, comes a common goal. That is to lead the Celtics to their first title since 2008.
These are the things that make them so compatible on the court. They’ve learned to adapt to each other’s playing styles as well as off-the-court personas. Something that can come a long way for a team’s overall success, as Brown and Tatum continue doing so. The duo has already become a feared pack against other teams. The scarier part? Both have yet to reach their absolute primes yet. But a monumental and simultaneous leap will be needed from both this season in order to compete with other rapidly improving teams and players.
2. Utilizing Potential Steals From the Draft
A lack of depth was one of Boston’s main problems last season. In order to fill those weaknesses, more players will have to be implemented into the rotation. This means using the talents of first-round draft picks Aaron Nesmith and Payton Prichard to their full potential early on.
Nesmith, the 14th pick, has a lot of promise to his game. At Vanderbilt, the 6’6 forward averaged 23.0 points per game on a highly efficient 52.0% shooting from beyond the arc. A huge development from his freshman year campaign, as he was noted to be quite possibly the best shooter in his draft class.
“We’re very excited about Aaron,” stated general manager Danny Ainge in a post-draft press conference. “He can come in the gym and outshoot most of our guys right this second.” This is something the Celtics desperately need as the team only shot 36.4% from three as a unit last season, ranking 13th in the league. With Eastern Conference playoff teams like Philadelphia (9th), Toronto (5th), and Miami (2nd) ahead of them in that department, this is where Nesmith can be a game-changer for his squad.
Their 26th pick, Pritchard, can be that run-and-gun spark the Celtics need off the bench. The Oregon Duck star can find valuable minutes with Kemba Walker out with an injury to start the season. Pritchard averaged 20.5 points and 5.5 assists per game in his senior season, carrying the offensive load for his team. As far as depth goes for Boston, he could be another crucial piece to that by maximizing the slasher playstyle he has embedded in his game.
“Payton is a guy that I’ve been attracted to the way he plays,” Ainge stated. “He brings a great intensity…I love how he pushes the pace…He has that type of leadership ability with the ball in his hands.”
Although having no workout with the Celtics prior to the draft unlike Nesmith, the franchise is looking towards the Pac-12 player of the year to be a key contributor from the jump. Another player that can enhance the team’s three-point shooting woes coming off of 46.8% in his final season with the Ducks. But the biggest question is if he can translate his collegiate success to the NBA.
3. Brad Stevens’ Continued Leadership Development As Head Coach
According to NBA.com writer Kyle Irving, coach Stevens ranks sixth overall amongst all coaches following this past season. Since his appointment to the role back in 2013, Stevens has led the Celtics to six straight playoff appearances and three Eastern Conference Finals. With a 56% winning percentage through his tenure, the 44-year-old needs to continue molding his stars into franchise cornerstones. So far, it’s been working well with guys like Tatum and Brown at his disposal, but the real challenge comes down to his younger guys.
Nesmith is Stevens’ new prodigy as the lottery pick. This season can expose his longevity with the team early on, but it’s a two-way street. The rookie has expressed his eagerness to put in the work right away, and it will be interesting to see just how much faith Stevens will put into the 21-year-old. Another star-coach potential duo in the making for the Celtics as long as they’re on the same page.
On top of that, his true testimony on leading this team to success as head coach will be his maneuver through yet another unprecedented season. Covid-19 restrictions, possible positive tests through the year, and other major obstacles will be his threat. But Stevens seems more than ready.
In terms of the league’s situation, according to him, he knows his team has lived that in the bubble and he noted that’s an advantage his players can “build upon.”
“Embracing the unusual circumstances to get a chance to play the game we love is totally worth it and something we look forward to. It’s something we look forward to no matter when the season starts and how much time we’ve had off,” Stevens stated in a press conference.
With preseason only days away, the Celtics seem to find themselves in the right direction. Although a season full of on and off the court challenges looms ahead, the storied franchise has all the tools needed to come out on top. One thing is for certain though, despite all the adversity, they’re ready.
