The Boston Celtics were widely expected to spend this season recalibrating after trading two starters and losing two others in free agency. Instead, a roster that many labeled a “gap year” project has surged, winning nine of its last 11 games and routing the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
That sudden success is reshaping expectations in the Eastern Conference. A club once viewed as a potential play-in participant now appears capable of claiming a top-four seed.
New Faces, Quick Fit
The team’s recent additions have meshed faster than anticipated, while the returning core has tightened its execution. “We have a bunch of guys figuring it out for the first time,” guard Jaylen Brown told The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn. “Of course you all expected it to sink right away. We’ve been getting better every single day and it’s coming together a little bit now, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do.”
Front-Office Calculus Shifts
Early in the season, Boston reportedly explored moves to slip below the luxury-tax line, including the possibility of trading Anfernee Simons or Sam Hauser. With the club now ahead of schedule, Washburn wrote that it would be “negligent” for president of basketball operations Brad Stevens not to seek roster upgrades before February’s trade deadline.
Whether the Celtics make additions or stand pat, the notion of a developmental season already appears outdated.
Source: Hoops Wire
