Two seasons ago the Boston Celtics squeaked into the 2015 playoffs, only to be swept by LeBron James and his Cavaliers. Entering the new 2016-17 campaign, it seems as if that same evolving Boston core from two years ago is now the Eastern Conference's best shot at contending with the NBA champions. NBA.com analyst David Aldridge, promotes the idea of Boston's potential:
Boston looks loaded. The Celtics have an All-Star in Isaiah Thomas, strong role players in Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Amir Johnson and Marcus Smart and a Lottery pick in Jaylen Brown. Add to that the 30-year-old Horford, a four-time All-Star who fits right in to what coach Brad Stevens wants to do.