The Celtics Will Get Recognized this Off-Season

Boston has taken the league by storm and they could have a lot of hardware on their team

Steph Curry has run away with the MVP award this season by leading the Warriors to a possible record-setting year. The Defensive Player of the Year will go to either Kawhi Leonard or Draymond Green, unless a major upset takes place. Even though two of the major awards have been decided, there are still three awards that the Boston Celtics have a legitimate shot at earning: Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Sixth Man of the Year.

At 46-32, and in the running for home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, it’s hard to make a case against Brad Stevens for Coach of the Year honors. Steve Kerr, who has been credited with every win this season, has a case, although, missing more than half the season will hurt his chances.

Kerr has also had the luxury of coaching MVP Steph Curry and all-stars Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, compared to the lone all-star, Isaiah Thomas, that Stevens has on the roster. The Warriors, while not this good, were expected to be among the top teams in the West again this season, as well. Boston has a chance at a top-three seed in the much more competitive Eastern Conference after some people didn’t feel they would even make the playoffs.

Terry Stotts is arguably his biggest threat to the award though. In a rebuilding year, he has led Portland to a 43-37 record and has them tied for fifth in the Western Conference. Stotts has really shown his brilliance considering Portland lost four of their five starters from last season – which included the departure of LaMarcus Aldridge. His ability to also develop C.J. McCollum into one of the best shooting guards in the league is also noteworthy – forming one of the best backcourts in the NBA.

Stevens, in three quick seasons, has transformed Boston from a bottom-tier team to a potential top-four seed in the East. He should get noticed this season for the work he has done with no true superstar and a shaky frontcourt.

One of the main reasons Stevens is in the running for Coach of the Year is because of the improved play of Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder. Both Thomas and Crowder are in the running for Most Improved Player, although, C.J. McCollum stands in their way.

McCollum is averaging 20.9 points per game this season, over 14 points more than the third-year guard out of Lehigh averaged last season (6.8). He also has career-highs in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, free-throw percentage, assists, and rebounds per game.

The departure of Wesley Matthews has definitely opened up an opportunity for the young shooting guard, and he has delivered in a big way. Portland has one of the best backcourts in the NBA now and McCollum will most likely get rewarded for that.

With that being said, Thomas and Crowder will both give him a run for his money. Thomas has career-highs in points, assists, and rebounds per game. Not to also forget that he made his first all-star team and went from an average point guard to All-NBA Team consideration. Thomas has clearly flourished under Stevens’ wing by developing into more than just a scorer.

Jae Crowder has also been in the running for the award for most of the season, and for good reasons. Before this season, Crowder never averaged more than 10 points per game (14.5 points per game this season), and has career-highs in rebounds, assists, steals, field goal percentage, and three-point percentage. Just like McCollum, Crowder was able to take his opportunity and run with it as he has become a key part of the Celtics’ success this season.

Feb 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) high fives guard Evan Turner (11) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Celtics defeats the Suns 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting in 69 games for Boston this season, there is no doubting that Crowder is the heart and soul of the team. When he went down with an injury, there’s was no doubt that his absence was felt. However, Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Evan Turner picked up some of the slack.

Turner missed his first game since joining the Celtics the other night, meaning he has now only played in 159 of 160 games since joining the Celtics last season. He has been a point forward for the second unit and someone Brad Stevens relies heavily on as his 28 minutes per game this season is the most among bench players on Boston.

Turner does a little of everything for the Celtics. He averages 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game this season, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Turner’s production has continued to increase as the season has progressed. In February, he shot a season-best 47.4 percent from the field as he was able to contribute 12 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. He continued his solid play in March once Jae Crowder went down with an injury, averaging, 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Turner has been someone who can step in for an injured player – starting 12 games this season – and has given the Celtics a boost anyway they need it when he enters the game. You can credit his versatility for that as Stevens is able to use him as a shooting guard, small forward, or power forward when sporting a small ball lineup. On a team with little versatility, Turner stands out.

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As big of an impact as Turner has had on Boston this season, Enes Kanter may have just won the award last night when he went off for 33 points and 20 rebounds in the Thunder’s win over the Portland Trailblazers. Kanter has played in all 79 games for Oklahoma City this season, and has averaged 12.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He has done that in only 20.8 minutes per contest and shooting a ridiculous 58 percent from the field and 80.3 percent from the free-throw line as well.

Kanter has been able to do a lot in a little time – recording 24 double-doubles. There is no doubting his significance on the Thunder’s bench as he gives them a reliable big man. Going off of numbers, Kanter seems like the obvious choice, however, Turner has just as big of an impact as Kanter. The difference is, Turner’s intangibles can’t be measured in numbers.

Next: The Boston Celtics Aren't Ready for the Playoffs

The Boston Celtics have a lot of personal accolades that they could be awarded with this off-season. There is no doubting that the goal is to go as far into the playoffs as possible, although, getting recognition for their great season isn’t a bad thing either.

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