NBA: Which East Teams Present The Biggest Challenge To The Cavs?

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Feb 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) celebrates with guard Isaiah Thomas (4) after making a three-point shot to end the game and beat the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Celtics won 104-103. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Boston Celtics

I’ll be honest, I love this team and the direction Brad Stevens has it in. This could be the number one defensive team this season; it might not be close, especially if the Spurs struggle with Pau and LA.

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The lack of a go-to guy will be the Celtics problem. The jury is still out on if Isaiah Thomas could be that guy. Shooting guard through center in the lineup could be defensive juggernauts if Al Horford is still flexible enough to be a rim protector. Thomas is a defensively liability in pick-and-rolls against aggressive players so hiding him on a shooter or non-threat is what Stevens will look for.

If Jae Crowder can continue to progress offensively, the deal to acquire him from Dallas may be the steal of the decade. His versatility is irreplaceable and creates the ability of a super-switchy lineup. Amir Johnson is super underrated for what he does on this team. His athleticism and length creates a ton of problems.

Marcus Smart provides a defensive stopper in the second unit. His 6’4 frame and and 6’8 wingspan is a nuisance for opposing guards and has allowed him to average 1.5 steals per game in his first two seasons. I expect that number to increase closer to two. He did suffer a sprained ankle in the team’s final preseason game so they’ll be without him to start the year (A good time to get a grasp on Terry Rozier).

The depth and talent on Boston can present an intriguing challenge to Cleveland. Add in Brad Steven’s coaching and the Celtics have an actual shot. IT has to be the bulldog that he is and carve up Kyrie’s defense. All while avoiding being a defensive liability. Amir Johnson’s length could pose as a problem for Kevin Love on the wing.

Can they actually dethrone last season’s NBA Finals champions?

Yes they have an actual shot. Last year they finished in a three-way tie for the 3rd spot in the East, which dropped them to 5th creating a bad match-up with Atlanta.

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Barring injuries, it is hard to see the Celtics finishing below the third seed in the East. If they do drop to four or five, an interesting second round awaits with Cleveland. I think they could take Lebron and company to a tough six or seven game series come playoff time.

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