Optimism surrounding the Boston Celtics is on the rise following a rocky start to the 2016-17 NBA season.
Buoyed by the returns of Al Horford (concussion) and Jae Crowder (ankle) to the starting five, the Celtics (8-6) have won their last two road games, climbing back into the Eastern Conference's top half.
When active, Horford (14.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.8 APG, 2.4 BPG) has been the lineup's main stabilizing presence. The Celtics are 4-1 when he suits up, and the All-Star also has a 14.8 net rating in his 158 minutes of action. Fellow core pieces Isaiah Thomas (26.4 PPG) and Avery Bradley (team-leading 6.6 RPG) have also carried heavy burdens during the team's uneven and injury-riddled start.
The bigger problem head coach Brad Stevens faces now is handling an underperforming supporting cast. Here are three players he needs more from if the Celtics plan on challenging for the No. 2 seed in the East.
Amir Johnson
Amir Johnson has been a fixture in the starting lineup since he was signed to a two-year, $24 million con ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Brian Robb
3 Players Who Still Have to Step Up for the Boston Celtics
November 23rd, 2016 by Brian Robb Leave a reply »
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