Yes, I absolutely know that the Boston Celtics roster has been ravaged in an attempt to cut costs and hopefully get below the second (or even first) apron. But 29th seems quite pessimistic, particularly since the last slot is occupied by the Golden State Warriors with an "incomplete" ranking (per The Athletic's David Aldridge):
The skinny: The second apron ran like a scythe through the Celtics’ dreams of an extended run atop the East. While Boston awaits Jayson Tatum’s return, likely for the 2026-27 season, it will have to figure out who will ride with Tatum, Brown and (presumably) Derrick White going forward. Is Simons part of the retooling, or will he be flipped for more payers and picks? Garza isn’t without offensive talent, but he’s a couple of steps down, obviously, from KP. Gonzalez projects as a solid if not spectacular wing. It’s going to be bleak in Beantown for a minute.
I totally realize that ranking NBA teams in the off-season is not an exact science. Many more moves are in store for the various clubs.
Granted, Boston has many questions marks relative to who plays when - and how much - but a core of Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard is pretty good. And I think that Neemias Queta at the center spot may be better than projected.
Yes, David Aldridge (whom I hold in the highest regard), "bleak in Beantown for a minute" (or even half the season) may be appropriate, but some of the new faces in Boston could surprise in a positive way. I personally expect the Celtics ranking to be significantly higher for the second half of the season. It can't go any lower, unless The Green's season is a disaster and they drop into the 30th slot.
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