Before the first game of the season we posted an NBA Reacts survey to see how Celtics fans are feeling about the upcoming season. It seems like Boston fans are a lot more optimistic than the general consensus is with this team.
Perhaps those high numbers were influenced by a generally very positive preseason performance. Perhaps fans are generally just more optimistic about their own team than the general consensus every year. Or maybe, just maybe, people are factoring in the return of a certain top 5 player in the NBA.
Based on all the reporting, I think a late season appearance by Jayson Tatum is completely realistic. I tend to think he’ll be ramped up slowly and perhaps even with a minutes restriction, but on the other hand I’m no trainer (never mind doctor) so I guess we’ll see what the experts have to say.
I’ve gone on record with thinking that the Celtics could under-perform the 41.5 wins number, but I fully admit that I don’t have strong convictions with that position and I’d be more than happy to be wrong. This team is lacking a lot of star power from prior years, but the framework of a highly competitive team is still in place and they will be coached well.
Should be a fun year to follow and cover.
