The Boston Celtics are entering the 2021-2022 NBA campaign with a rejuvenated sense of urgency after a subpar performance last season. Newly-hired head coach Ime Udoka is bringing a different environment and system to this young squad, as his previous assistant coaching stints will prove to be an integral aspect of his first head coaching duty. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will enter the season with the hopes of suiting up for majority of the games compared to last year wherein they had numerous COVID-related illnesses or injures in general.

With the other Eastern Conference teams receiving the limelight and attention from the media, Boston has the chance to surprise many people with their hungry and determined squad and the objective of replicating their success of reaching the Conference Finals or Finals stage once again. Thus, here are four bold predictions for the Celtics in the upcoming season.

Four (4) Celtics Predictions For 2021-22 Season

Tatum-Brown duo ascends NBA hierarchy

celtics, jaylen brown, jayson tatum

These two young All-Stars are always categorized as one of the best partnerships in the league who are under 25 years-old. Entering their fourth season together, Tatum and Brown have continued proving the critics wrong as their chemistry and individual success has propelled them to a plethora of victories in the early juncture of their career. Their maturity and leadership has been a huge factor in defeating franchises that have been experienced in a playoff series.

With a new head coach, Tatum is already expected to take another leap this year to consistently perform as one of the top 10 players in the association. He will also be in the MVP consideration if he remains healthy all throughout the campaign as he has expressed his intention of expanding his repertoire and involving his teammates on both ends of the court.

In his only game in the preseason, Brown has shown increased confidence with his slashing abilities and jump shooting accuracy. Moreover, the defense of Tatum and Brown is already regarded as some of the best in the association because of their awareness and IQ on that side of the spectrum. With many key additions along with the expected rise of at least a few of their youngsters, it will be on Tatum and Brown to catapult this squad of having a deep playoff run.

Dennis Schroder is the steal of the offseason

Marcus Smart, Dennis Schroeder, Celtics
August 16, 2021

As previously reported, Dennis Schroder was offered a massive 4-year, $80 million extension by the Los Angeles Lakers. He reportedly rejected this contract because he believed that he is worth more than that because of his performance with the Purple and Gold.

In the first few days of free agency, all franchises were shoring up their backcourt rotation with huge signings such as Lonzo Ball for the Chicago Bulls or an underrated addition like Patty Mills for the Brooklyn Nets. Thus, the roster sports and cap space of all teams were dwindling, while Schroder was remained unsigned. Schroder decided to lower his standards and accept a mid-level exception that was offered by the Celtics for 1-year, $5.9 million.

As a backup to Marcus Smart, expectations are not skyrocketing for Schroder. He will be instrumental in the second unit, and it was a fantastic sight to see that he can facilitate and lead the charge for that group. If Schroder can average close to 15 PPG and more than five APG, it will be a terrific signing for Brad Stevens and the rest of the Celtics.

Robert Williams will unleash his full potential

Celtics, Robert Williams

Ever since his rookie year, Robert Williams has been a crowd darling in TD Garden because of his shot blocking prowess and rim rattling jams from alley oops. He has immensely improved from his raw skillset, but a ton of individuals expect him to continue ascending in his fourth season.

He almost recorded a triple double in Game 1 of the first round series against the Brooklyn Nets, but the problem with him is his ability to stay on the floor. The brilliance of Williams can vastly improve with the mentorship of veterans Al Horford and Enes Kanter. The lack of consistent guidance from the experienced professionals can help in fulfilling the high expectations for Williams.

One of the youngsters will find their niche

The quartet of Payton Pritchard, Aaron Nesmith, Romeo Langford, and Grant Williams have been critical role players for the playoff-contending Celtics. The major hurdle for these individuals are their consistent play because it was difficult for Stevens to find a rotation or lineup combination that would compliment his other reliables.

These youthful Celtics draftees are at a low-risk, high-reward position right now. Moreover, there is a higher chance for one of them to have a big role with the Celtics. Nesmith is the one that makes the most sense because of his long range shooting capabilities along with his constant hustle play that rubs off from a hard working individual, such as Smart.

Pritchard, Langford, and Williams will continue receiving spot minutes from Udoka, and it will be up to them to pounce on the several opportunities to them. With the consistent contributions expected from players like Brown and Tatum, it will still be on the role players to perform on the big games and shock opponents with their capabilities.