After a summer upheaval that included adding a pair of All-Stars, the Celtics appeared headed for at least another trip to the Eastern Conference finals. Their fortunes may have changed Tuesday when Gordon Hayward took a hard fall less than six minutes into the season opener that left him with a dislocated and fractured left tibia.
It was a shocking way to start the year for Celtics fans and for Hayward, who left Utah for Boston and a four-year, maximum-salary contract. He was expected to be one of the top forwards in the East and part of the foundation for the team’s future, along with newly acquired point guard Kyrie Irving.
The Celtics still have plenty of talent, including the No. 3 picks in the last two drafts, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. They have both moved into the starting lineup and added youthful energy to the team. Still, it’s hard to replace someone who can score [21.9 points per game last season] and shoot [nearly 40% from 3-point range] like Hayward.
The injury plunges the Celtics into a pack of teams that will fight to be the chief challenger to Cleveland in the East. The Wizards took Boston to seven games last season in the conference semifinals, the Raptors are back with a wealth of talent and the young Bucks could be ready for a major step forward.
That brings us to tonight’s question: With the loss of Hayward, are the Celtics still among the two best teams in the East? Please share your thoughts in the space below. We look forward to your responses.
Wizards and bucks are better now
Raptors too. People tend to write them off but they now have Ibaka for a full year and CJ Miles will really stretch the floor and help DeRozan be even better than before
Compared to last year…Irving is in place of IT. Tatum is in place of Crowder. Brown replaces Bradley. Last year’s team in Boston was better than this team is now. This year’s team could be better, even without Hayward, by the end if the year. Celtics go to the Eastern finals again.
Raptors and Wizards are both better. Idk about the Bucks who do they even have?
Boston will be fine, but I don’t know their ceiling. They’ve all of a sudden become a mystery this year. Early returns on guys like Tatum, Brown, Rozier, and Baynes have been fantastic, but guys like Kyrie and Horford have been slightly underwhelming. If the stars can play like stars, they’ll be fine.
Long term though, it is still a great time to be a Celtics fan. Jaylen Brown looks like the real deal and Tatum is going to be a solid piece for a long time to come too.
A team that has no chemistry always struggles at the beginning of the year. Look at these NCAA teams that bring on 5 new freshmen a year. The beginning is usually rough and then they finish strong. Celtics are in the same boat. They have 4 returning players and have an average age of like 26. They will be fine
Irving outplays Wall and Lowry, Cavs have too much to organize, Bucks and Pistons don’t know how to win yet… Celts or Heat. Unless the Cavs trade for a good center or accidently gel.