The Celtics kicked off their season last week in an error-filled but very entertaining overtime loss to the Knicks. Even with that disappointment, the bright spot is that it looks like games between the C’s and the Knicks this year will mean something for the first time since the Bird era. The 1970s Havlicek/Cowens vs. Reed/Frazier games were even better, but beggars can’t be choosers. So I’ll take this.
That was followed by an awful loss to Toronto at home, which underscored why I’m totally wait-and-see on the C’s after being really harsh on most of the deals done by Brad Stevens this summer. Not so much for who he got rid of, or got back even, but for taking back less than he could have gotten in each deal. But I’ll admit they have much better depth as a result of his moves after depth being a major weakness a year ago. Thanks partly to their pure luck getting business challenged Dennis Schroder. After a far too placid demeanor in 2020-21, his feisty attitude should give them more of an edge in 2021-22. I also like that they’re building it with complementary players around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown rather than just assembling talent.
Celtics Players to Watch
Jayson Tatum: I’m harder on him than anyone and want more than just 50-point games. It’s obvious he hit the weight room because he is really cut, which will help him take the next step up as a player. But to be a Top 5 guy who can lead his team to the Promised Land, he needs to become the kind of leader he’s yet to grow into.
Romeo Langford and Aaron Nesmith: Are they going to grow into players of value? My money is on Romeo.
We’ll have more on the C’s as the year goes along, but for now here are some other things to keep an eye on.
Teams to Watch
Knicks: The NYC media as usual is overrating their own, but they have fight and toughness under Tom Thibodeau, which I like. As for the local connection: I hope Kemba Walker found a home in his hometown, but the C’s needed to move on from him for team fit reasons. I’m also glad Brad didn’t overpay to keep Evan Fournier away from New York, because while he can score as he did on opening night, he’s inconsistent and plays no D, as evidenced by the 46 Jaylon got on him in the opener.
Bucks: I don’t like to use the word “luck” when a team played as hard as the champs did, but I could never shake the feeling they weren’t that good last year, especially with only two reliable bench guys. It’s a testament to what a couple of stars can do in today’s NBA. Don’t see much change besides losing defensive brawler PJ Tucker. But Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA’s three best players and I don’t underestimate what the man who gives more effort than anyone on every single play means to this team. So they‘re dangerous, but if Al Horford can still play D the Celtics can beat these guys in a playoff series.
Nets: As with every team he’s attached to, they’ll be better without non-vaxxed Kyrie Irving. Because Kevin Durant and James Harden are the best one-two punch in NBA and are surrounded by good role players, and GM Sean Marks is a very smart guy who’ll come out of trading Kyrie with something better.
Miami: On paper Pat Riley’s moves look great, but their fortunes depend on whether (1) the tick down point for newly acquired big-game 35-year-old point guard Kyle Lowry isn’t on the horizon, (2) Tyler Herro stops being Miami Beach big-time boy and gets back to the guy who wrecked the Celtics in the 2019 playoffs, (3) Victor Oladipo can return to his pre-injury self to give them a major bench, and (4) Bam (love that name) Adebayo continues on his path to becoming one of the league’s top big men.
76ers: Who knows what the impact of the Ben Simmons mess will be? But I do know GM Daryl Morey overplayed his hand in demanding too much for an overpaid crybaby who shrinks from the big moment, That gives him zero trade leverage to get close to equal value in his coming trade. And, sorry, Philly gets no sympathy here, after screwing their fans by losing on purpose for four years to get this joker during the bogus/failed “Trust the Process.” You reap what you sow.
Hawks: A young up and comer, but not sure they are/were as good as the hot streak that catapulted them into the 2021 playoffs. Trae Young is great, but Tatum is better to make the Celtics better than Atlanta.
Lakers: In their continuing effort to break their tie with Boston for most NBA Championships won at 17, they made big news trading for stat-machine but hard-to-play Russell Westbrook. They also brought in an astonishing nine new players, including GM Lebron James’ buddy Carmelo Anthony and the returning Rajon Rondo (a good move). That’s a lot of adjustments. It won’t work if Westbrook plays point guard, but might if he plays off guard and LBJ runs the O as a point forward. Either way these dudes are work in progress.
Suns: Bet my autographed Alvan Adams NBA card this team takes a big. I’m too impressed with myself, step back. And not just because Devin Booker is tempting fate by going out with one of the Kardashian clan. Though it is a reason, because their curse on sports people has taken down far bigger players than him.
Golden State: Steph Curry is unbelievable, and getting Klay Thompson back is major. But I don’t see this group getting back to what they were at peak.
Arguments for Another Day: Chris Bosh in the Hall of Fame? The Top 75 NBA players list. I can assure you I have a lot to say about both in the days ahead.