Can the Celtics be the Atlanta Hawks of 2015-16?


For the Celtics, there is a lot to be excited about. Young talent in Marcus Smart, a great front office from ownership on down to the coaching staff and they also have flexibly in the draft.

Again, a lot to be excited about. They are even blooming earlier than expected with a playoff run last season.

But, could they make an even bigger jump in 2015-16? It's not that far fetched.

Out of all the teams in the NBA, the Celtics can relate to the Hawks the most. A bunch of good not great players that, when coached right, can really make some noise in the regular season.

I honestly think the Celtics are the better team however and I think that point would have rang true if they played one another in the playoffs.

So, I agree with calling the Celtics the "Baby Hawks" basically just because their actual age, but other than that I'm taking this team over ATL any day.

Cannot take away what the Hawks did last season going 60-22 and becoming the number 1 seed in the East, but I don't know if I buy it long term. Everything went right for them last year and I don't think they are lucky enough to let lightning strike twice.

With the Celtics, they can absolutely surprise some teams in the East and jump in the standings. I'm not saying they'll be the 1 seed, but is top 5 out of the question?

In this conference, as our friend KG would say, anything is possible.

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