With the 2019-2020 NBA season fast approaching, Our First Draft is providing team previews for all 30 NBA teams. These are intended to inform the reader about important roster changes for all teams, as well as summarizing the outlook of the team ahead. This includes the Vegas Over/Under line, OFD’s recommendation on which side to take, as well as a projected record for the team.
Team: Boston Celtics
Conference: Eastern
Wins O/U: 48.5 (Over -120, Under +100)
Last Year’s Record: 49-33
Projected Roster (Projected Starters marked with asterisks): J. Brown, C. Edwards, T. Fall, G. Hayward*, E. Kanter*, R. Langford, M. Smart*, J. Tatum*, D. Theis, K. Walker*, B. Wanamaker, G. Williams, R. Williams III
Key Offseason Moves: Lost K. Irving, Lost A. Horford, Lost M. Morris, Lost T. Rozier, Traded A. Baynes, Signed K. Walker, Signed E. Kanter, Drafted C. Edwards, G. Williams, R. Langford
Overall Summary: The Celtics went through a tumultuous offseason, with both veteran all-stars leaving the team. While Boston fans are sure to enjoy the fact that Kyrie is gone, point guard isn’t the position to worry about. Kemba can play that Kyrie Irving/Isaiah Thomas role in Brad Stevens’ offense, and provide similar shot creation and ball dominance. The loss of Al Horford is far more devastating to this team, as Horford to Kanter is a substantial downgrade, especially on the defensive end. Kanter is a tenacious offensive player with a great knack for rebounding, but he may be the worst defensive center in the NBA. When playing the other top teams in the East, I don’t see who on Boston could possibly guard Giannis, Embiid, or Siakam. Even though Tatum and Brown should improve, and Hayward will look better 24 months out from leg surgery, the loss of Horford will prevent the Celtics from being true contenders. That being said, the weakness of the East should prevent the Celtics from a major drop-off in wins this season.
Verdict: For me, this is a stay-away, but if forced to take a side, I would take the under. That being said, in a depleted Eastern Conference, I still expect the Celtics to get a top 5 seed in the east, with an estimated record of 48-34.
