NBA post-free agency power rankings

3. Boston Celtics

Addition by subtraction works just the same as the real thing.

That truism works in the Celtics’ favor twofold this year. First, they play in the conference that for the last 15 years has gone through LeBron James and now pushes on in his absence. Boston is in prime position to take back the throne in the East. Second, by replacing end-of-the-bench players like Shane Larkin and Guerschon Yabusele with stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, the Celtics will improve.

Irving and Hayward combined to play 61 games last season, and Boston still won 55 games. Getting those two back will be the biggest catalyst for the Celtics’ continued success.

Aside from health for their stars, Boston was able to retain starting center (and playoff shooting legend) Aron Baynes while adding Brad Wanamaker on a minimum contract. They will also get a healthy Daniel Theis, a perfectly capable third big who will provide energy off the bench. Theis played in 63 games last year before injuring his knee.

The Celtics were on a slightly better pace than their 55-win total when Irving played, and we saw five total minutes of Hayward. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum should continue to improve. James is gone.

It might not seem like much, but when you consider the coaching and depth infrastructure built into this franchise, Boston looks like the only East team realistically capable of winning the 2019 championship.