The Boston Celtics are one of the few teams in the NBA that would seem to have a legitimate shot of challenging the Warriors. But, like the Raptors, 76ers, Rockets and Jazz, it relies a lot on several hypothetical qualities of the team manifesting perfectly. Boston’s depth, defensive intensity, steady coaching and the fact that they made the Eastern Conference Finals without Kyrie Irving or Gordon Hayward slot them in ahead of those other Warrior-challengers.
But for Boston to take over the top spot, several things would need to happen — Gordon Hayward will need to shake off the rust and he and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will need to develop a smooth synergy on the wing, balancing shooting, creating and defensive responsibilities. Irving will need to show that he can be what he was at the beginning of last season — an elite creator who’s just capable enough on defense to keep from opening up holes. Tatum and Brown will need to continue on their upward trajectories, with Tatum, in particular, showing he can repeat his stunning offensive performances from last year’s playoffs.
Boston could finish the year in the top spot. But a lot will need to go right for them.