Boston Celtics: the answers behind the team’s early success in 2019-20

After opening the season with a 10-1 record, the Boston Celtics have come back down to reality. The C’s have won just 3 of their last 7 games and sit in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

I expect the Shamrocks to finish anywhere from third to fifth within the East, but they have actually exceeded my expectations thus far for a few reasons. It has been impressive to watch the way the Boston Celtics have battled with an undersized roster.

Boston usually only starts one traditional big man in Daniel Theis and he is only 6’8” which is small for an NBA center. Despite starting small lineups, though, the Celtics rank in the top 10 in rebounds.

I credit this production to a pretty athletic roster, especially guys like Jayson Tatum, Gordon Hayward and Jaylen Brown who have stepped up and grabbed over seven boards a night.

Unlike last season, the players on this team really seem to understand and accept their respective roles. Kemba Walker is certainly the head of the snake and provides the leadership Kyrie Irving couldn’t in the past few seasons.

Tatum is finally making the jump we hoped he would make last season as he has stepped into a leadership role and shown more confidence on the court. Tatum is clearly the second scoring option for Boston, and I expect to see his shooting percentages increase as the season progresses.

Brown and Hayward have filled similar roles as reliable scorers and much-needed defenders. Brown seems to be benefiting from the departure of Irving. Hayward has only played eight games, but he is finally starting to look comfortable on the court again after playing very hesitantly for most of last season coming off a major injury.

Then you have another leader in Marcus Smart who is the same old tenacious defender, but has stepped up on the offensive end. Smart has been in and out of the starting lineup and I expect that to continue as Brad Stevens figures out the best starting lineup.

Some of the bench seems to be strong including Enes Kanter, Robert Williams and Brad Wannamaker. I would like to see more production from Carsen Edwards, Grant Williams and Semi Ojeleye.

Overall, I am impressed with the way the Boston Celtics have made up for their lack of size and the way the players have accepted their roles. It was obvious that the team would not be as dysfunctional as last season, but the unity of this team has been refreshing so far.

Looking forward, Boston has a relatively tough December schedule facing the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors.

Expect the Celtics to become more consistent and less streaky as they move forward and truly find out their identity.