Celtics News

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at TD Garden 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics do not open as favorites in the East

Boston Celtics: Semi Ojeleye can still have an impact on defense

Boston Celtics front court is cluttered and unsettled

Boston Celtics: Jaylen Brown is more valuable than any draft pick

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball while being guarded by Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics in the fourth quarter during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 26, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Giannis Antetokounmpo;Aron Baynes

Boston Celtics Need to Fix Remaining Holes in Defense

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Boston Celtics Aron Baynes got off a pass to teammate Al Horford (right) with his back on the floor in the second half. The Boston Celtics hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game Seven of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics could miss Aron Baynes on defense

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Al Horford #42 helps Aron Baynes #46 of the Boston Celtics from the floor during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics on May 27, 2018 at the TD Garden 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Defense still needs to be the strength of the Boston Celtics

BOSTON - NOVEMBER 16: Injured Boston Celtics forward Gordon Hayward, center rear, sits behind teammates Jaylen Brown, left, and Kyrie Irving at the Boston bench during the first half. The Boston Celtics host the Golden State Warriors in a regular season NBA basketball game at TD Garden in Boston on Nov. 16, 2017. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics need to embrace all of the current core

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the 4th quarter during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics on May 27, 2018 at the TD Garden 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Terry Rozier will have to fight to maintain large role with the Boston Celtics

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Marcus Morris #13 of the Boston Celtics goes to the basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 25, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics: Marcus Morris’ value is in jeopardy

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Boston Celtics Marcus Smart looks for a foul call that never came as he and the Cavaliers George Hill hit the floor together in the second half. The Boston Celtics hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game Seven of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics: Marcus Smart has earned another contract

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Danny Ainge, Boston Celtics general manager and President of Basketball Operations, has a laugh as he sits on the bench while players practice shooting on the court before the start of the game. The Boston Celtics visit the Milwaukee Bucks for Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI on April 20, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics: Gauging the value of the Sacramento pick

KANSAS CITY, MO - MARCH 08: Texas Longhorns forward Mohamed Bamba (4) after hitting a three at the buzzer in the first half of a quarterfinal game in the Big 12 Basketball Championship between the Texas Longhorns and Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 8, 2018 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics: Too early to buy into Mo Bamba rumors

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the 4th quarter during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics on May 27, 2018 at the TD Garden 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics need Al Horford to maintain his defense

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum slam dunks over Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James during fourth quarter action. The Boston Celtics hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game Seven of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2018. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics: Playoff run puts Jayson Tatum on top of rookie class

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 2: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics and Gordon Hayward #20 look on during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on October 2, 2017 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics: Maintaining the defense with Irving and Hayward

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 27, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Boston Celtics: Looking into Jaylen Brown’s role

WALTHAM, MA - APRIL 23: Boston Celtics head coach Brad Stevens, left, chats with Celtics general manager Danny Ainge during Boston Celtics practice in Waltham, MA on April 23, 2018. (Photo by Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics will benefit from slower offseason

BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Jaylen Brown #7, Marcus Smart #36, and Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 15, 2018 at the TD Garden 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics: Depth can become the biggest strength

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics and Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics react to a play during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game Seven of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2018 at the TD Garden 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics have backup point guard problems

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James drives to the hoop as Boston Celtics Aron Baynes (left) and Marcus Morris (right) defend in the first house. The Boston Celtics hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers for Game Seven of their NBA Eastern Conference Finals playoff series at TD Garden in Boston on May 27, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics have to figure out front court depth

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 11: Daniel Theis #27 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics high five during a game against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on March 11, 2018 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) *** Local Caption ***

Boston Celtics forgotten rookie: Daniel Theis

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 9: Head Coach Brad Stevens, Kyrie Irving #11 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics talk during practice as part of the 2018 NBA London Global Game at Citysport on January 9, 2018 in London, England. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics cannot assume all they need is Irving and Hayward

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Boston falls to the King again, but reaps the benefits this time around

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics hug after the game during Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 27, 2018 at the TD Garden 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics fall in Game 7 of the ECF 87-79

BOSTON, MA - MAY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket against Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics in the first half during Game Five of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 23, 2018 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Victory or Defeat in Game 7, the Boston Celtics have already won

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts after a basket in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on May 25, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Celtics Cannot Let the Cavaliers’ Role Players Follow LeBron James’ Lead in Game 7

CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 25: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 25, 2018 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Boston Celtics cannot rely on three point shooting