Atlantic Division 2022-23
The tape, it does not lie.
Plus, so many tales.
BOSTON CELTICS
2021-22: 51-31, seventh in offense, second in defense, lost in six game to Warriors in Finals
Gains: Malcolm Brogdon (trade), J.D. Davison (No. 53 pick), Justin Jackson, Danilo Gallinari (likely out for season with ACL tear).
Losses: Aaron Nesmith (trade, Pacers), Daniel Theis (trade, Pacers).
LINEUP
C: Al Horford — 90 threes this year (he hit 89 last season) and he’ll be among the 250-most prolific three-point shooters in NBA history, 25 threes behind Steve Kerr. Al Horford plays center.
F: Jayson Tatum — ages 25 (beginning in March) through 30 could be some serious stuff. This game is still night-to-night with him, his focus is superb.
G/F: Jaylen Brown — blossomed as a playmaker these last two seasons and I hope this doesn’t leave with Brogdon checking in.
PG: Derrick White — if the best way to get the most from White involves going small and starting him, start him. He’d be buried next to Brogdon on Boston’s bench.
PG: Marcus Smart — mainstay has to do less offensively now, which means he may have better legs for long jumpers (33 percent on threes last two years, 32 percent career).
Malcolm Brogdon is key to this team and badly needs to remain healthy, the Celtics are more than capable of winning the entire thing without Brogdon’s two-way talents, but his presence should take pressure off nearly everyone in this rotation, real Dennis Johnson shit.
Malcolm Brogdon will not take pressure off Robert Williams III, because Robert Williams III is too serene to be swayed by the concept of “pressure.” The beatific need no ballast.
