The Boston Celtics 2122 season is underway. The team is coming off a disappointing playoff loss. After finishing 3rd in the East, the Celtics hope to go deep in this year’s post season. But first, the club needs to win and win consistently. They had one of the busiest offseasons in team history. They said goodbye to Kemba Walker and welcomed back Al Horford. Semi Ojeleye is now a Buck and Tacko Fall is a Cleveland Cavalier. General Manager Brad Stevens acquired Dennis Schroder, Josh Richardson, and Juancho Hermangomez.
They also gave up their number one pick as part of the Kemba Walker trade to Oklahoma. In this post, we will review three areas the Celtics need to focus on to reach the finals.
Consistent Scoring
Last season, the organization finished fourth in the league in scoring. Averaging 113 points per game, the Celtics hope Dennis Schroder can add some firepower. Josh Richardson will add punch off the bench. Forward Juancho Hermangomez adds muscle and rebounding.
Free _agent sam Hauser out of Virginia was signed to provide depth. The club finished second overall in the three _point shooting area. Boston should be much deeper off the bench with Dennis Schroder and sharp_shooter Sam Hauser.
If the Celtics can stay healthy, then they will be stronger this year than in 2020.
Tougher Defensively
Last year the Celtics ranked fourth defensively, giving up 107 points per game. Rebounding_ wise, they finished eleventh overall. Closing out tight games was an issue with the team last season. Adding Hermangomez, Richardson, Enes Kanter, and Al Horford should help in that area.
Forwards Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are getting better with age. Brown is taking his game to a new level. A healthy Marcus Smart will keep the Celtics near the top.
Improvement in Communication and Cutback on Turnovers
One area that needs improvement is in the turnover department. Far too many times did the Celtics commit silly mistakes that cost them leads. Holding down large leads is a top priority. New coach Ime Udoka will have to be strict with his players and stress fundamentals.
Former general manager Danny Ainge left. Brad Stevens was promoted to General Manager. Good communication is essential. If Udoka is going to be successful then strong communication is a step in the right direction.
Conclusion
Being a new coach in Boston is not easy. The Celtics played sloppy basketball too often last season. Having good ball movement creates opportunity. Udoka needs to push his players and stress defense. Hopefully, banner number eighteen is in reach.