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NBA Free Agency: 10 teams facing most pressure to succeed

By Tom West

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 05: Dwight Howard (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 05: Dwight Howard (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Apr 24, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts after making a three point shot during overtime game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) reacts after making a three point shot during overtime game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Boston Celtics

Now for the second of those historic franchises. Except that unlike the Lakers, the Celtics actually have a good team. They shattered preseason expectations as much as any other team, going from the 7th seed (40 wins) in 2014-15 to the 5th seed (48 wins), establishing themselves with high-effort team play and perimeter defense, earning a 4th place ranking in defensive efficiency because of it.

Yet, despite such an impressive regular season that featured a win over the Warriors in Golden State and taking the Hawks to six games despite their limitations, some will think the Celtics could have done more. Of course, those impatient fans are always around, urging their team to rebuild overnight.

And that’s essentially what Boston has done. Danny Ainge made the right move to stay quiet at the NBA trade deadline, though. He kept his high draft picks, he kept his plethora of talented role players intact, and now he can approach free agency with a complete team and hope to make some signings.

Yet, because of a quiet trade deadline and the expectancy to win more than 48 games in 2016-17, the pressure will certainly be on the Celtics to have a great offseason.

The need for more offense is obvious. Outside of Isaiah Thomas, they don’t have anyone to consistently go to when they need a basket, and more reliable outside shooting would go a long way to taking them up a notch. Al Horford has already caught their interest in the past, they undoubtedly want to go after Kevin Durant (who won’t be going anywhere now OKC are playing better than ever), and having another go at trading for Kevin Love isn’t out of the question either, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN:

"Boston made an offer for Love at the deadline, sources have told ESPN.com, and though the Cavs found it disatisfying, the Celtics may call again if other stars higher on their list aren’t available."

They could leave the draft with the exciting upside of Dragan Bender and versatile talent of Denzel Valentine. If they can add a star in free agency, too, which shouldn’t be too hard now their team is so promising with head coach Brad Stevens, the Celtics’ future is increasingly bright.

Everyone just wants to see them make the right moves this summer to ensure that’s the case as soon as possible.

Next: 4. Dallas Mavericks

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