OVER 27 If you shop around you should be able to get 26.5
Nailed it last season, /pregame-forums/f/10/t/739073.aspx looking to do the same here.
First off, I don't expect the Celtics to be good this season or contend for a playoff spot, but to go over this total, they don't have to be. This number is lower than last year's which was 28, but the team is stronger. In the off-season, the team added Tyler Zeller, Evan Turner, Will Bynum, and Marcus Thornton. No All Stars by any stretch, but these four are all NBA players. Last season, undrafted rookie Phil Pressey started a number of games at Point Guard. Victor Faverani, a 1st year player from Brazil, was starting at Center. This year, each one is buried on the depth chart.
In 2012, the Celtics were a playoff team, which kept them from getting any high draft picks in the 2013 draft. This year, they have 6th overall pick Marcus Smart to work with. Smart is already an above average defender, a solid passer, and can get to the rim. His jump shot is not good yet, but as long as he doesn't take too many jumpers, he should help the team.
In the previous off - season, Jared Sullinger had back surgery. Because of the surgery, he was playing about 25-30 lbs out of shape. This year he is looking better and has had a great pre-season. Maybe not an All Star, but Sullinger will be a good NBA player for a long time.
In 2013-14', Rajon Rondo came off knee surgery in the second half of the season. He was never close to 100%, but says he feels great now. Even if he is traded mid-season, whatever he gives the team will be better than what he gave them last year. Rondo is still in his prime and in a contract year.
The biggest reason I like this Over is Brad Stevens. Last year was a learning experience for him as the youngest coach in the NBA (38) and was also his first. According to the players Stevens has been more assertive this pre-season and really knows what he wants this time around. He is a very positive coach which is ideal for a mediocre and young team. It also helps the chemistry. Jared Sullinger, when asked the biggest difference between this year and last year: " “This year compared to last year is two different teams,” he said. “The offense is totally different from last year. (Head coach Brad Stevens’) mindset of coaching is totally different from last year. He’s doing a great job and we’re just following his lead." http://www.masslive.com/celtics/index.ssf/2014/10/jared_sullinger_boston_celtics_5.html
The rotation will be comprised of Rondo, Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley, Marcus Thornton, Will Bynum, Jared Sullinger, Brandon Bass, Jeff Green, Evan Turner, Kelly Olynick, Tyler Zeller, and James Young. Nothing special but the team is deep with NBA players. Towards the end of last season, D- League player Chris Babb and Jujaun Johnson who is now in the Turkish league were getting a lot of playing time, along with Pressey, Faverani, and a less than 100% Rondo.
This team will compete hard. They won't be an easy out for opponents. With Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart, and Rajon Rondo, the perimeter defense should be solid, and will have to be because they lack good shot blockers/rim protectors. Again, I don't see them competing for a playoff spot or even being a good team, but they don't have to be to get over this number.
With a first year Head Coach, only 1 hobbled All Star for half the season, their best prospect playing out of shape, and no front line draft pick, they won 24 games last year. Everywhere you look, this team should be improved, so I don't think 4 more wins is a stretch.
The only concern is that the East is better this year, but the Celtics will be 1 reason why.
Prediction: 31-51