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NBA Pretenders or Contenders: The Lakers, Nets are for real; Are the 76ers?

By Michael Saenz

NBA Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant James Harden (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant James Harden (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) /
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

NBA Pretenders or Contenders: Boston Celtics

ORTG: 112.3 (9th) 

DRTG: 109.7 (12)

NetRTG: 2.6 (9th) 

There is a lot to like about this Boston Celtics team. After making it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, maybe expected this team to take the next step and be a real threat to make it out of the East this season. It’s the natural progression. And that has been the case so far this season.

They are one of the few teams in the East that many believe would be able to give the Brooklyn Nets a run for their money in a potential playoff series, but at the same rate, I’m not sure if this team is ready to move that step.

The star power for this team is there, with Jayson Tatum picking up where he left off last season and Jaylen Brown looking like an even better player with every minute that passes. The big question revolves around this team’s third-best player, which has to be Kemba Walker.

When he is on his game, he’s one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league. However, when he’s not on his game on the offensive end, his defensive inefficiencies are brought into the spotlight even more. When he isn’t hitting shots, he becomes a huge liability when on the floor.

On paper, there’s no question that the Celtics are a contender to win a championship, but with so many concerns that go beyond their top two players, I simply don’t believe Boston is a legit threat to win the East or the NBA Finals this season.

Verdict: Pretenders