By James Macey – Contributing Writer
The Celtics are a young team led by Isaiah Thomas poised to make a run this season. Photo courtesy of hardwoodhoudini.com
As the 2016-17 NBA season kicks into gear, the Celtics stand at 10-7. They are a team on the rise, beginning to find some rhythm, and one of the youngest teams in the NBA.
In the off-season free agency was something that Boston looked into heavily. With Kevin Durant in the spotlight it was clear that the Celtics were in a great position to acquire him. Well, they didn’t end up with the 6’9 All-Star out of Texas, but they signed 3-time All-Star center Al Horford to a 4 year – $113 million deal. The 30-year-old missed nine games due to concussion this season but has come back strong currently averaging 14.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
Despite the team’s setback with Horford, as well as Jae Crowder facing injury early on, the Celtics have been playing very well. With Isiah Thomas averaging 27.7 points a game, the team has pulled in some impressive wins including a victory against Dallas on November 16 and against Miami on November 29.
The team is young no doubt about that, and with the 3rd pick in this year’s draft the Celtics only got younger by selecting Jaylen Brown. The California product brings a core skill set to the table. He is quick on his feet and is a good shooter from about 25 feet out. The rookie has managed to star in three games this season. The future is looking bright for him, despite some rumors about him being moved to the D-League.
On other terms if you’re a longtime Boston Celtics fan then start getting excited! Clippers Forward Paul Pierce stated in an interview SiriusXM Radio that he would love to retire a Celtic. “I think I’ll always be remembered as a Celtic. I had all my glory days, all my prime was pretty much as a Boston Celtic. I think I owe the fans and I owe myself that much, just to be able to put that uniform on one more time and go out that way, say I retired a Boston Celtic.”
How that will happen is still up in the air. He wants to sign a one day contract, but with the Clippers being a favorite to make the playoffs this season, it will be very difficult to make that transition.
Overall, the Celtics are progressing. Despite a few setbacks they sit in 6th place in a rather easy Eastern Conference. The season is still young and there is plenty of basketball to be played. Keep an eye out for the Boston Celtics this season because they are a team on the rise!
