Sir Charles in Charge
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Boston Celtics: Recalibrating expectations after Gordon Hayward’s injury

By Michael Saenz

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts in front of Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after hitting a three point shot during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 110-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics reacts in front of Willy Hernangomez #14 of the New York Knicks after hitting a three point shot during the fourth quarter at TD Garden on October 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Knicks 110-89. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Before the season started, expectations were sky high for the Boston Celtics. However, after losing Gordon Hayward for the season, they must be tempered

Entering the 2017-18 NBA season, it wasn’t insane to believe that LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ reign over the Eastern Conference was on its last legs.

And a big reason why was because of what the Boston Celtics did this past offseason. Boston essentially added two high profile stars in Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving. They also weakened their biggest threat (Cleveland) by acquiring the latter.

It was the perfect storm for Danny Ainge and the Celtics, and they hit a home run in the summer.

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However, on opening night that all changed.

Those sky high expectations lasted all but six regular season minutes, before Hayward suffered one of the most gruesome injuries you will ever see occur on a basketball court.

Boston would go on to lose to the Cavs on opening night. They would also get word that Hayward will likely miss the season.

The Celtics would go on to lose to the Milwaukee Bucks the next night, but since have won five-straight games. At 5-2, and atop the Eastern Conference, we beg to ask the question: What should Boston’s expectations be now? 

That’s a great question, and likely one that we simply can’t answer right now. But that’s not because of how Boston is playing.

At the moment, they’re playing like a team that can challenge LeBron James in a potential playoff matchup, especially with the way the Cavs have looked as of late.

Entering Tuesday night’s action, the Celtics had a middle of the pack offense (ranked 19th in the NBA), but the best defensive rating in the league. They also have a top 10 net rating.

Ultimately, for this team, it’ll come down to offense. Because they rely on two really young players – Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown – on that end of the floor, they’re going to fluctuate from game to game. But if their defense is for real – and there’s no reason to suggest that it’s not – Boston can play with the best of them – and that includes the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie Irving, of course, is this team’s wild card. He has to be even better without Hayward. I don’t think anyone would argue that he’s an upgrade, even if just slightly, over Isaiah Thomas. This Celtics team has a feel of a group of youngsters that are looking to shock the world (or the East).

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By rallying around the loss of Gordon Hayward, the Boston Celtics have the look of a team that hasn’t missed a beat. However, we likely won’t find out until the playoffs. Until then, beating the Cavs should still be the goal and viewed as a realistic one.

And, just maybe (takes a quick look at the Cavs’ last three results), they can dethrone the King and an aging Cleveland team.

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