The Celtics have two All-Stars, sit third in the East with a 38-16 record, and boast the league’s third-best net rating at +6.8. However, ostensibly, this team is an unambiguous contender. The Celtics’ regular season success stems from a source different from that of a traditional contender.
Where the Milwaukee Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Clippers Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Celtics are lacking for one of those unimpeachable MVP candidates.