Predicting team MVP, other superlatives for 2022-23 squad
Predicting Celtics’ superlatives, from Team MVP to Most Improved originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
We made it, folks.
After a roller-coaster offseason that included Kevin Durant trade rumors, the surprising suspension of Ime Udoka and Jaylen Brown’s wild underwater pool workouts, the Boston Celtics’ regular season officially begins Tuesday night.
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The Celtics enter 2022-23 with lofty expectations after reaching Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals and bolstering their talented young core with starting-caliber guard Malcolm Brogdon. They also enter with plenty of questions, from the ability of 34-year-old Joe Mazzulla to transition to an interim head coach role to frontcourt depth in the absence of Robert Williams and Danilo Gallinari.
While the next six months should bring plenty of surprises, we’re not above predicting how the season will unfold by forecasting some “superlatives” for the 2022-23 Celtics — starting with Team MVP.
Brown is the sleeper candidate here (especially if you ask Eddie House), but Jayson Tatum is the obvious choice. Fresh off a First-Team All-NBA campaign in 2021-22, Tatum has blossomed into an elite all-around player who can drop 30 points per night but also lead the team in assists.
Tatum made huge strides as a playmaker last season, especially in the playoffs, where he averaged a team-high 6.2 assists per game. If he can continue to combine elite scoring with quality facilitating, the Celtics could have one of the NBA’s best offenses.
Brown is a very talented sidekick who should push for All-NBA consideration. But this team’s success still rests on Tatum’s shoulders.
Hauser admittedly has a low bar to hurdle: He appeared in just 26 games last season playing mostly garbage-time minutes. But after signing a three-year contract this offseason, the 24-year-old could have a regular spot in Boston’s rotation.
Celtics Talk: What can we expect from the 22-23…
Source : yahoo
