Boston Celtics: Best and worst-case scenarios for the 2021-22 season
By Ben Bundy
Looking at the best and worst-case scenarios for the Boston Celtics in 2021-22.
The 2021-22 NBA season is almost here, which means every team is looking to pick up where they left off the season before. For some, that means another run at the NBA championship. For others, that means continuing to rebuild or begin a new era. The Boston Celtics are in a unique situation where they could find themselves in both positions.
Last season, the Celtics finished 7th in the Eastern Conference and lost to the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. While it wasn’t the season many Boston fans wanted, there was still plenty to be excited about. The Celtics have arguably the best young duo in the league in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Tatum is coming off of an Olympic gold medal run this past summer, and Brown is returning from a wrist injury that sidelined him for last postseason.
The team also decided to bring back Marcus Smart during the offseason, as well as signing former Los Angeles Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder. The offseason also saw the Celtics lose a few key pieces from last season. Head coach Brad Stevens moved to the President of Basketball Operations for the Celtics and was replaced by first-time head coach Ime Udoka. Also, star point guard Kemba Walker decided to sign with the New York Knicks (after he was traded to OKC, then bought out).
All these offseason moves make it tough to figure out exactly how the 2021-22 season will go for Boston. With that being said, here is a look at the best and worst-case scenarios for the Celtics going into next season.