The Boston Celtics, fresh off a Cinderella season, are shaking things up early. Some people maintain not screwing with a good thing is the way to go, others that close isn’t good enough. After beating Washington in the first round of the playoffs, the Celtics lost to the eventual CSL champions. But that was almost a full month ago.
How about now?
For a team that resoundingly covets its Slovenian point guard turned combo guard, the Celtics made no secret of their desire to move one or multiple pieces in an effort to further improve their roster.
They did that.
Rajon Rondo, while historically important to Boston’s success, had recently taken a back seat in Boston’s back court. Jumping on an opportunity provided by Brooklyn’s rebuild, GM Dennis sent Rondo out and welcomed Brook Lopez to the TD Garden. Lopez, an offensively gifted center, looks to ease the offensive load on Dragic. Dragic, who has already had a strong relationship with Brook’s twin brother Robin in Phoenix, now looks forward to developing a stronger relationship with the more established twin.
More interesting, perhaps, is the front court yin and yang Boston now possess in the combination of Brook Lopez and Larry Sanders. Regardless of which positions either play, they obviously create an interesting combination.
Further, Boston was recently luck enough to have landed a sliding Tyler Ennis – a point guard that, while he’ll need time to adjust to the CSL pace, should definitely help ease the blow of losing Rondo. Ennis projects to be an established floor general with all of the tools you’d want in a lead guard – passing, handling, discipline and intelligence.
The addition of Lopez and Ennis is obviously the more exciting development to occur in Boston, so far, but it’s important not to forget that Boston successfully resigned Paul Pierce this past season to a two year contract worth $12 million. Also, surprising youngsters Brandon Knight and Jared Sullinger straight blew up towards the end of last season when given the opportunity to start for a resting playoff squad – they’ll look to build upon their individual success as the Celtics look to build upon their success as an organization.
The New Look Celtics
PG – Brandon Knight / Tyler Ennis
SG – Goran Dragic / JJ Redick
SF – Paul Pierce
PF – Larry Sanders / Jared Sullinger
C – Brook Lopez / Vitor Faverani
Sporting a relatively complete team, including legitimate offensive and defensive threats and a legitimate bench mob, this Celtics team looks to lead, again, the slightly less competitive Atlantic Division en route to another playoff appearance. The Pacers, Hawks and Hornets all present formidable challenges to a championship bid out East, and that is to say nothing of the challenges posed by the incredibly deep Western Conference.
Can the team stay healthy this year? Can Dennis improve Lopez’s efficiency down low? Will Pierce be able to contribute to a young but playoff hopeful team?
2028
