Hardwood Houdini
Fansided

Boston Celtics: What you should expect from the 2019-20 season

ByDamon Lincoln|
BOSTON, MA - JULY 17: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait after being introduced during a press conference on July 17, 2019 at the Auerbach Center in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 17: Kemba Walker #8 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait after being introduced during a press conference on July 17, 2019 at the Auerbach Center in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

After one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory, the Boston Celtics will go into next season with less talent and less expectations. Despite that, fans should not settle for any reduction of success in 2019 compared to this past season, minus the drama.

As the new season slowly approaches, the Boston Celtics have been given an over-under of 49.5 wins by Caesars Palace of Las Vegas. This comes after a season in which they won 49 games with a much more talented roster.

After losing key rotation players such as Kyrie Irving, Al Horford, Marcus Morris, Terry Rozier, and Aron Baynes this offseason, it may seem unreasonable to expect Boston to match their win-total from the 2018-19 campaign, but that is not the case. The additions of Kemba Walker and Enes Kanter puts Boston right back in position to repeat what they did last year, and in a less stressful manor.

It’s clear Boston made it a point this offseason to bring in level-headed players with team-first mindsets. Walker and Kanter, along with rookie Grant Williams, are perfect additions to a team needing an extreme makeover in the chemistry department.

Removing the egos of both Irving and Rozier puts the Celtics in a much better position to play team-oriented basketball this coming season, without having to worry about the persistent drama that followed them around all throughout last season.

Addition by subtraction could end up playing a huge part when comparing the two seasons.

While last season’s team largely underperformed their way to 49 wins and a second round playoff exit, the 2019-20 Celtics should find success very similar to last year’s team. A 3 or 4 seed in the frail Eastern Conference needs to be expected of this Boston squad – as well as first round playoff success – with anything after that being an added bonus.

When Al Horford announced his decision to leave Boston, any reasonable NBA Finals expectations for the Celtics left as well. While the team certainly has the talent to make a deep postseason run next season, it should not be expected of the weakened former Eastern Conference favorites.

Disposing of the drama and expectations to be the best team in their conference should lead to much more fun and consistency for the Celtics next season. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a roster full of young untapped potential, an All-NBA point guard and a healthier Gordon Hayward all at their disposal.

Home/Celtics News