The Boston Celtics have been a puzzling team to figure out coming into this 2018-19 season, a confusing revolving door of wins and losses with moods that differ depending of what wave they currently ride. It is just as unpredictable for scouts in the league, as one recently gave a head-scratching, yet accurate assessment of what awaits them in the playoffs.
“This team can win the East or get beat in the first round,” said an anonymous scout, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. “They have great talent but sometimes they have no chemistry.”
The issue isn't Kyrie Irving, as some suggested, but rather what tends to happen once he catches fire, as the rest of the team is prone to rest on its laurels while the dynamo goes to work.
“Kyrie Irving is having one of his best seasons, maybe his best,” said the scout. “He’s the same pure scorer and one of the best fourth-quarter closers in the league. But when he gets it going, there is a tendency for everyone to watch him. When they make four or five passes, they are tough to guard.”
Another problem has been the integration of Gordon Hayward, who has failed to live up to expectation after being out an entire season after a freak injury ended his debut with the team in the 2017-18 season-opener.
“Gordon Hayward just isn’t right,” added the scout. “He doesn’t look hurt, but the explosion and the sharp cuts that were there in Utah just aren’t there now. [Coach] Brad Stevens did the right thing moving him to the bench. It takes some of the pressure off. And he’s an effective scorer with the second-unit guys.”
The Celtics simply aren't in full force without Irving and Hayward at their best, but that is a problem coach Brad Stevens will be forced to navigate during the upcoming 24 games of the season by making use of his depth and adjusting his rotations.
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