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The Boston Celtics had an average 2020-21 NBA season, finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 36-36 run. Although they were plagued by injuries, it was still a below-standard performance by the franchise.
Competition in the East has undoubtedly stiffened up, with the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks taking advantage of the offseason to bolster their ranks. However, the Boston Celtics have made a few promising acquisitions that will certainly help improve their 2020-21 numbers.
Things might start out rough for the Boston Celtics as there is a new head coach in town. While the core of the team remains, adapting to Ime Udoka's coaching style might prove difficult in the early stages. However, we expect to see a brand of basketball that might be a bit different from what it's been under Brad Stevens.
As we draw closer to the start of the 2021-22 NBA season, here are three bold predictions for the Boston Celtics.
#1 The Boston Celtics make the playoffs without going through the play-in tournament
The Boston Celtics have not missed the playoffs since the 2014-15 season, and do not look like they will in the 2021-22 season. In fact, they will end up in the middle of the pack, which might bode well for them and increase their chances of progressing to Round 2. They finished seventh last season and had to compete in the inaugural play-in tournament to secure their playoffs berth.
A top-four finish would bode well for the Boston Celtics as they will likely face a relatively weaker team in the first round. If they hope to make a deep run in the playoffs, avoiding the Brooklyn Nets early in the postseason should be the goal.
While teams like the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks have made big moves in the offseason, they still look beatable. Although the Boston Celtics have a strong starting lineup that can compete against any team in the league, the bench might not be as reliable.
Jaylen Brown's return from injury will be a major boost to the C's. Al Horford's acquisition will also give the Boston Celtics' the much-needed veteran presence. If they can successfully stay healthy, the Celtics would be a strong opponent in the East.
#2 Dennis Schroder will have a better season with the Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics signed Dennis Schroder for $5.9 million using their Mid-level exception after he rejected an $80 million offer from the LA Lakers. Seeing how free agency played out for him and how he was snubbed by a lot of teams, he will have a lot to prove on the court.
Schroder averaged 15.4 points and 5.8 assists as a starter during his time with the Lakers. Compared to his numbers the last time he played as a starter, he performed poorly. Regardless, his efforts during the absence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis are commendable.
Heading into the 2021-22 season, Schroder will give his best to the Boston Celtics to send a message to his doubters. It will also be an opportunity to secure a better deal in the future as the C's signed him to a one-year deal.
While he will be looking to make a statement with his performance, nothing will be handed to him. As things stand, he will have to fight for a starting role against Josh Richardson.
Benching Smart, Tatum, or Brown is highly unlikely, which means that both newcomers will have to fight to secure a starting gig with the Boston Celtics. Regardless of how things play out, Schroder will have to make every minute count on his journey to redemption.
#3 Jayson Tatum will register a career-high in points
Things will change with the Boston Celtics during the 2021-22 NBA season in the sense that they will be more of a pass-first team. Ime commented on it after the Celtics finished the 2020-21 season ranked 25th in assists, promising to effect a change.
Even with that, Jayson Tatum's production will not be affected. He will undoubtedly have fewer touches on every possession, but he will maintain his efficiency in scoring the ball.
Tatum finished the 2020-21 season with a career-high 26.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. While those are impressive percentages, the two-time All-Star is likely to evolve into a more lethal player offensively.
