Most improved and ROY predictions feature Sullinger, Smart respectively

Photo courtesy: NESN.com

ESPN's NBA expert panel voted for both Most Improved Player and Rookie of the Year, leaving Celts fans reason to be (or get) excited.

Jared Sullinger received votes for MIP from Insider Tom Haberstroh as well as Kevin Arnovitz from TrueHoop. The final tally is as follows: Antetokounmpo (5), Drummond (5), Adams (2), Butler (2), Sullinger (2), Thompson (2), Asik (1), Beal (1), Bennett (1), Favors (1), Gobert (1), Harris (1), Lamb (1), Leonard (1), Oladipo (1), Valanciunas (1).

Likewise, Marcus Smart picked up two votes for ROY from ESPN.com's Ethan Strauss and Royce Young. It's worth noting that number one overall pick Andrew Wiggins did not receive a single vote. Instead, Jabari Parker ran away with most of the tallies. Final tally: Parker (22 votes), Noel (2 votes), Randle (2 votes), Smart (2 votes)

Despite low prospects for team success, Celtics fans should be excited about the potential from some of the young guns. The Celtics will open the season in Boston October 29th vs. the Nets.