NBA
Why Celtics Fans Shouldn’t Worry About A Slow Start
The Boston Celtics pre-season has been very rocky. The team has dropped three out of four games played so far with the Philadelphia 76ers coming up next. With this inconsistency, it is fair to ask- should we be worried? The team doesn’t seem together. The chemistry, timing, play calling is all off. The possibility of this carrying over into the regular season is real, and probable. The team that looks unbeatable on paper looks very human right now. However, this is nothing new to teams like the Celtics.
The Chemistry is Starting to Brew
The 2010 Miami Heat, The 2017 Golden State Warriors, The 2012 Los Angeles Lakers. Every one of these teams carried the moniker “Super Team” when first conceived. Although, some rose to the top of the league, and others failed they all had one thing in common, they looked great analytically.
That’s essentially what this Celtics team is so far. Names on paper. Even if they have had short spurts to play together, it hasn’t all been there over a season. Building chemistry takes time, and it’s more than just practicing and playing together. It’s getting in weight room, hanging out, and traveling together. This team wants to build an identity. We have already seen the bench nickname themselves the “Bench With Attitude”. This is a great sign, and soon enough the starting lineup should start to grow with each other.
Learning the System
Everybody is infatuated with newest and the best. From the new IPhone to the newest cars, the American people fall in love with what’s new and shiny. That’s why when Brad Stevens became widely known during last years playoff run expectations were placed way too high. The media was ready to crown him as the best coach in the NBA, when in reality he isn’t there yet.
Although not Gregg Popovich yet, Stevens is a great coach. He runs a good system, and is a relatable young man. As long as the players buy in like last year, the Celtics will put it all together in time for the playoffs.
Projection for the Start of Next Season
The team will most likely start slow like they have in the preseason. That being said, I project the Celtics go 13-7 in their first 20 games. Well below what is expected of them, but still good. However, they will undoubtedly turn it up once we hit the months of January and February.
Photo Credit
Nazrul Islam via Flickr
