The Boston Celtics might be for real, but they have concerns to address

The Boston Celtics have the look of a true contender, but there are some big concerns they need to address

We are about one-third of the way into the NBA season and I have more doubts about the Boston Celtics now than before the season started. As it stands, the Celtics are currently the fourth-seed in the Eastern Conference with an 18-7 record.

On paper, that is not too shabby. When you factor in the outstanding play of Kemba Walker, the fire and ice tandem of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and the re-emerging Gordon Hayward, these Celtics seem poised to blossom in the post-Kawhi Leonard Eastern Conference. However, taking a deeper look into their early-season success, there are some red flags.

First, despite their 18-7 record, the Celtics are just 8-6 against current playoff teams. It is easy to look like contenders when you play the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks three times each.

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Second, there is a gigantic gap in the interior. In a time where the NBA has moved to all-around skill players and an astronomical volume of 3-point shots, the Celtics’ need for a big man resembles the days of old.

Boston has been bullied in the paint by obvious culprits such as Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The head-scratching moments come when they are being severely outmatched by likes of Jarret Allen and Domantas Sabonis, both of which are great talents, but took complete advantage of the Celtics’ lack of big men and bullied them on the glass.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the Celtics’ second unit.

I’ll wait.

Didn’t see much, did you?

That’s the problem. There is no dependable presence on the bench.

Marcus Smart is the human definition of hustle, but opposing teams are not going to fear him in the postseason.

Once you look past Smart, the bench looks even more scarce. There could be some dependency on rookies Carsen Edwards and Grant Williams, but both have not played to the level of a dependable rotation player. When you factor in other stragglers like Brad Wanamaker, Semi Ojeleye, Robert Williams, or Daniel Theis, it just puts more pressure on the starting unit.

While these can seem like major concerns, all of them can be addressed.

Danny Ainge will never stop retooling his roster. A man who has a transaction history longer than a locomotive always tries to find the best man available.

There are plenty of viable options to improve this roster. The right trade could land the likes of Kevin Love or Steven Adams. However, any of these trades could require a hefty price.

For a cheaper deal, check out the waiver wire where you can find a cornucopia of proven journeymen. This may not be the best option but could be better than what is presently on the roster.

Fear not, Celtics fans, there is hope.

The three-headed monster of Brown, Tatum, and Walker have built off their Team USA chemistry and are clicking on all cylinders. To go further, the whole team appears to be a close-knit bunch, taking the bitter taste out of our mouths from last year.

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This team chemistry, when coupled with Brad Stevens’ ability to find the most out of his players (i.e., 2017-18 Celtics), these Celtics could be poised for a deep playoff run.

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