Analyzing the Boston Celtics Roster

The Boston Celtics made the playoffs for the second straight season, here’s a breakdown of the team

Isaiah Thomas: Boston needed a star player and they got one this season in Thomas. It seemed like every time the Celtics needed a big shot, Thomas delivered.

Although his 5’9 stature makes it difficult for him against long lengthy defenders, he usually finds a way to score. Does he occasionally take an ill-advised three-pointer or pull a James Harden and go to the rim searching for a foul and turning the ball over? Yes. But Isaiah fits perfectly into the Celtics sometimes chaotic offense and looks like he could be a key factor in the Celtics bright future.

Avery Bradley: He was the Celtics second highest scorer during the regular season. Bradley, along with Jae Crowder, provided fantastic perimeter defense as well as solid scoring. Losing Bradley due to strained hamstring during the first round series versus Atlanta ultimately cost the Celtics a chance to win the series.

He improved his outside shooting to a point where opposing teams game planned to stop it. Bradley is also one of the best off-ball cutters in the NBA as he created easy baskets by cutting backdoor when teams played him for the three.

The one thing Bradley is missing in his game that could be improved on in the offseason would be his ability to create shots off the dribble. If Bradley improves in that areas you could see an even better statline.

Jae Crowder: This season, Crowder experienced a breakout season for the Celtics despite a dreadful shooting slump following a late season injury. After being a throw in during the Rajon Rondo deal, the former Marquette defensive stopper took his offensive skills to a new level during the 2015-16 season.

The thing that is most impressive about Crowders game is the consistent effort he brings on both ends of the floor, which is rare in today’s offensive minded NBA. Even if the Celtics do acquire a small forward, whether it be Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram, don’t expect to see Crowder go anywhere. As he has proven he belongs in this league as a key defensive stopper with above-average offensive skill.

Jared Sullinger: His conditioning remains in question as his weight and body fat still remain well above NBA average. Despite these weight problems, Sullinger was a key contributor on the boards throughout the year and when his shot wasn’t falling (which was often the case as he shot 28 percent on threes and 44 percent from the field) he found other ways to make an impact on the game through passing and solid effort on defense.

Sullinger looks to be expendable with his contract set to expire. He may have spent his last days as a Celtic riding the bench due to his ineffectiveness against an up and down fast paced Atlanta team in the first round.

Oct 19, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Evan Turner (11), guard Marcus Smart (36), forward Amir Johnson (90), guard Terry Rozier (12) and forward Jared Sullinger (back) speak during the second half of a game against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Amir Johnson: He came to the Celtics through free agency after spending a few years with Toronto. Johnson provided great defense in the paint and fantastic all-around effort. Despite his limitations offensively, Johnson played a key role in the postseason against the Hawks as he did a great job defending Atlanta’s All-Star big, Al Horford.

Boston may have slightly overpaid based on Johnson’s offensive skill level, which as mentioned earlier remains in question. He could be a key hustle/energy bench player on a championship team, but Boston may need an upgrade at the starting center position.

Evan Turner: He has had a slightly disappointing NBA career after an all-time great college career at Ohio State. Evan bounced around in Philadelphia and Indiana and hadn’t found a situation where a team trusted him as a primary playmaker, which is his trademark skill. That all changed the last two seasons with the Celtics as Turner became the best bench player on a playoff team.

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His playmaking ability helped create shots for Thomas and took some pressure off of him to create for others all the time. Although Turner will never be the superstar that many thought he would be after being selected with the number two pick in 2010 by the 76ers, he has developed into a great bench player who can provide instant offense for others and himself which is something Boston could really use over the next couple of years.

Boston needs Turner and Turner quite frankly needs Boston. Hopefully Danny Ainge realizes this and resigns Turner as soon as possible.

Marcus Smart: His shooting inconsistencies are cause for concern, but the Celtics lottery pick from 2014 gives 110 percent every night, even when his shots aren’t falling. The Celtics need Smart to be more aggressive and put more pressure on opposing defenses by driving to the rim. His activity on the defensive end is spectacular, he forces turnovers, gets deflections, and rebounds extremely well for a guard. The bottom line is Smart had some fantastic moments this year in the playoffs and should continue to progress in the 2016-17 season.

Kelly Olynyk: The good: Olynyk has been a great shooter and all around offensive player throughout his three year career. He has shown flashes of being a guy who could score 15-to-20 a night if given the minutes.

Next: Hardwood Houdini Awards: Celtics Defensive Player of the Year

The bad: His defense has been, well, lets be nice and say below-average. He can’t move his feet very well and his average wingspan and lack of leaping ability limits him as a shot blocker. He showed this season that if you put a player that is more athletic and has good defensive instincts on him that he is very ineffective. If he’s not shooting well, Olynyk is almost a non-factor.

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