5 Reasons Why the Boston Celtics Will Make the 2016 NBA Playoffs

By Derek McVay

5 Reasons Why the Boston Celtics Will Make the 2016 NBA Playoffs

Boston Celtics — The Eastern Conference has improved from last year, but so have the Boston Celtics. The Celtics will enter the 2015-16 season with a more talented roster than the one that made the playoffs last year. They also have one of the best young coaches in the game, who has an extremely bright future ahead of him. The team has its sights set on returning to the playoffs and below are five reasons why they will do just that.

5. Team Basketball

Boston Celtics

5. Team Basketball

Boston Celtics — Without the luxury of a superstar, Brad Stevens and the Celtics are forced to employ an unselfish, team-oriented style of play. It worked well last year. As a team, Boston finished fourth in the NBA in assists per game. Whether it's making the extra pass on offense, or making an extra rotation defensively, the players play with great confidence in one another and have great chemistry that should continue to serve them well next year.

4. Contract Years

David Lee

4. Contract Years

David Lee — It's common for athletes across all major sports to step up their performance in a contract year. Fortunately for the Celtics, there are currently seven players who are effectively playing in the final year of their contract this year. Included in these seven players are Marcus Smart, Amir Johnson and David Lee. The idea of an uncertain future should serve as an extra piece of motivation to perform at the highest level.

3. Improved Roster

Amir Johnson

3. Improved Roster

Amir Johnson — The Celtics return a majority of the team that reached the playoffs last season. Despite not making a big splash in free agency, the Celtics were able to make moves to improve that roster. The additions of David Lee and Amir Johnson will boost the team's rebounding, as well as its low-post offense. The Celtics will also have Isaiah Thomas for an entire season this year providing a scoring punch off of the bench.

2. Defense

Avery Bradley

2. Defense

Avery Bradley — Boston finished in the top 10 in both steals and turnovers forced per game. They also finished in the top five in three-point defense. The Celtics' defense is led by an aggressive perimeter pair of Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart. Their play helps to set the tone for the entire defense. Now, with the drafting of Terry Rozier, the Celtics are poised to have an even stronger defensive backcourt that will only improve the overall team defense.

1. Brad Stevens

Brad Stevens

1. Brad Stevens

Brad Stevens — Entering just his third season in the NBA, the legend of Brad Stevens is growing quickly. His players buy into his calm, calculated approach and are excited to play for him each and every night. Coaches and players league-wide are starting to take notice of Stevens. He posted a +15-win improvement last season and also gained some valuable playoff experience that will serve him well next year.

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Boston Celtics

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