2016 Celtics - Player Predictions (The Starting Five)

Isaiah Thomas - The 2016 All-Star is bound to have another great season with newly signed big man Al Horford on the squad. Isaiah had a great season last season, averaging 22.2 PPG along with 6.2 APG. Although "IT" is often referred to as a subpar defensive player, I know that he's been working on his defense during the offseason, so I expect him to become more of a threat on the defensive end. Isaiah is going to decrease in scoring this season, but increase in assists now that Al is on the team. I expect big things this season from, "The Little Guy."


Avery Bradley - Bradley, the longest tenured Celtic on the current roster, took home All-Defensive First Team honors last season and was the most clutch player on the Celtics roster last season. Although "AB" got injured early on in the playoffs last season, he looks like he's improved on his shot and I'm sure (as always), he's worked on his defense during the offseason. I expect Avery Bradley to continue to shut down other teams on the defensive end as he has throughout his six-year NBA career.


Jae Crowder - Crowder was another player who was plagued with injuries throughout the first round of the playoffs against Atlanta. Crowder is now widely considered a borderline top-5 Small Forward in the NBA after his production skyrocketed following a trade from Dallas to Boston. Crowder is a great defensive player and (along with Marcus Smart) is one of the most gritty players that I've seen in the league since Kevin Garnett.


Amir Johnson - Amir Johnson showed last year that he was more deserving of a starting spot, over the likes of Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger, Jonas Jerebko, and Tyler Zeller because of his consistency. Amir brought what he had to the table every game, showing off his mid-range jump shot, his rebounding, and his shot blocking. Johnson was Boston's best big man last season, but that'll change this season because of the next player on this list.


Al Horford - One of the best free agents of this past offseason was ten-year NBA veteran, Al Horford. Horford is a 4x All-Star and one of the league's best big men. Horford is the Celtics best big man since Kevin Garnett and is the first player who was given a max contract from the Celtics organization. Horford immediately makes Boston a playoff contender and could be the star that the Celtics need.