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Boston Celtics: Predicting next season’s stats leaders

By Jack Simone

BOSTON, MA - MAY 28: Jayson Tatum #0 reacts with Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference first round series against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on May 28, 2021 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 28: Jayson Tatum #0 reacts with Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference first round series against the Brooklyn Nets at TD Garden on May 28, 2021 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

Which Boston Celtics players can lead the way on defense?

Steals – Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart has been the poster child for defense in Boston for a long time. His ability to get steals and defend the perimeter have landed him in Defensive Player of the Year conversations.

Last season he averaged 1.5 steals, which is actually worse than he put up in years prior. In the 2019-20 season, Smart averaged 1.7 steals, and the year before that he averaged 1.8.

His career average for steals is 1.6 per game, which is better than anyone else on the team. Expect the trend of him leading the way in that department to continue next season.

Blocks – Robert Williams

If Williams earns regular minutes next season, he’s a lock to lead the team in blocks. He’s ridiculously athletic and knows how to position himself in order to send shots back.

He set the franchise record for blocks in a playoff game (9) and that showed his true potential as a shot swatter. He just has to stay healthy in order to reach that potential.

If he doesn’t earn regular minutes, for whatever reason, Al Horford should be able to lead the team in this category. He’ll go back to anchoring the Celtics’ defense like he did for the entirety of his time in the city.

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