Even though the Boston Celtics have no Kyrie Irving, they are way better off without him. It’s honestly sad how underrated they truly are.
Kemba Walker brings that unison charisma and team-first mentality that has brought this group miles closer than last season. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have grown and advanced so much on both sides of the floor, especially defensively. Marcus Smart is still making Marcus Smart plays and evolving as a shooter. Smart is arguably the best defensive guard in the league. Enes Kanter brings a huge rebounding presence that this team desperately needed. Also needed and achieved was the growth of fellow centers Daniel Theis and Robert Williams.
The bench is loaded as well. Grant Williams brings so much energy every game, and he is a huge spark. Brad Wanamaker has become a much smarter player thus far, fully utilizing his body shape on the defensive side. Semi Ojeleye is steadily getting the hang of it, and Gordon Hayward has played very similarly to his Utah Jazz days. Not to mention we haven’t seen first-round pick Romeo Langford yet. Don’t sleep on Tacko Fall either.
This Celtics team has been one of the best defensive units in the league. They are second in the league in defensive rating (102.6) and are holding opponents to just under 103 points per game.
The team’s offense is visually much better. Their 60.8 percent assist percentage is second in the league; they are also scoring 112.8 points per game. You can see the team’s chemistry only getting stronger. They are actively looking for teammates on every play, as well as passing the ball and moving the ball while allowing players to make their own plays without hate. Last season, Irving would complain about touches and lack of chemistry when he was cancerous.
This team went to L.A. to face the favorites to win the championship this year, the Clippers, forcing 20 turnovers and fighting through a terrible first half to force overtime at the Staples Center. The Clippers are a great home team, with only one home loss before their defeat at the hands of Boston.
The Celtics have beaten the Bucks and the Mavericks, as well. This team has enough heart and gritty players to beat anyone in this league on any given night. It’s time for the rest of the league and it’s analysts to take notice.
