Boston Celtics: A performance grade for the 2019-20 regular season
By Todd Dudas
Taking a closer look at the Boston Celtics and issuing a performance grade for the 2019-20 NBA regular season.
No matter what happens over the course of the next few weeks regarding the NBA, the 2019-20 season will certainly be remembered as a memorable campaign. One team that seemed to be emerging just before the implementation of the hiatus was the Boston Celtics.
Led by emerging superstar Jayson Tatum, the Celtics were third in the Eastern Conference but were quickly developing into, arguably, the biggest threat to the Milwaukee Bucks.
At 43-19 and just three games behind the Toronto Raptors, the Celtics had eyes on making some major noise in the postseason.
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Kemba Walker was proving to be a fantastic addition, and Jaylen Brown had seemingly taken another step in his development. You couldn’t help but feel excited about where this team was heading. Especially with Tatum playing better and better as the season went on – during the month of February, Tatum averaged 31 points, eight rebounds, and three assists on 49 percent shooting from the field and 48 percent from 3-point range.
Gordon Hayward was even beginning to look a little more like his former self, averaging 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists on 50 percent shooting from the field on the season. Brown was averaging 20 points and six rebounds per game on the year, while also playing excellent defense on the other end of the floor. Many key on the development of Tatum, but the progress that Brown has made on the offensive end can’t be overlooked either.
Brad Stevens, the team’s fearless head coach, was also proving himself after questions had emerged after somewhat of a disappointing season a year ago. Even with Kyrie Irving gone, Stevens was managing to regroup with a new deck of cards.
Thus far, everything was going his way. The Celtics were playing up to par, and then some. Stevens works best when he’s doubted and was preparing for another deep playoff run in the East.
Even if the 2019-20 NBA season doesn’t resume or conclude, there is plenty to be excited about moving forward in regards to the Celtics. With the way Boston’s core has meshed together this season, there’s no question they will be entering next season with sky-high expectations.
A big reason will be the development that they’ve experienced in 2019-20. That alone makes it a success, whether there’s a postseason or not.