James Young improves defense, gains weight

Photo: USA Today

In preparation for the 2015-16 NBA season, James Young spent the majority of the summer working on his body and one-on-one defense.

At the annual Celtics media day at the Celtics' Waltham practice facility, Young talked about gaining weight over the summer and how he's entering his second season feeling more confident about his defense.

"I just got in the gym and worked out harder," said Young. "This season is going to be special for the team and me. I just want it to be great -- got the gym every day, [twice] a day."

Sullinger had an intervention over the summer

Photo: Boston Globe

When Celtics president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, publicly criticized Jared Sullinger for his poor conditioning last season, Sullinger made it his mission to get in better shape over the summer.

Shortly after the Celtics were bounced out of the first round of the playoffs last year, Sullinger returned home to Ohio to visit family and in doing so walked into an intervention -- one staged by his family and his agents. But one face Sullinger didn't recognize in the room was John Lucas II, a coach who flew in from Texas just to talk to Sullinger about his future. The two would get to know each other very well over the summer.

Brad Stevens: 'I have one goal at this job and that's to win an NBA championship'

Photo: Getty Images

As Brad Stevens enters his third season as head coach of the Boston Celtics, one thing that the NBA's youngest coach has learned, so far, is that the margin of wins/losses is very slim in the eastern conference.

At media day, coach Stevens reiterated a point that he made earlier in the week -- that the Celtics (40-42) were not only very close to not making the playoffs last season, but were also very close to entering the playoffs as a top five seed. Stevens also stated that there isn't a specific goal set for the 2015-16 Celtics, but rather an overall common one that is shared by all 30 teams in the NBA.

Avery Bradley: NBA Finals is a 'Realistic' goal for Celtics

As the team's longest-tenured player, Celtics guard Avery Bradley has set the bar for the 2015-16 Celtics higher than anyone else anticipated.

During the team's annual media day, Bradley told reporters that the goal for this Celtics team is to make it to the NBA Finals.

"Hopefully [we can] use all the experience we gained from last year to get further and have a chance to play in the championship," said Bradley. "Obviously, that's our ultimate goal, and we're going to try to prepare so that we can get to that level."

Zeller, excited for upcoming season

Getty Images

While Tyler Zeller awaits for his meeting with Celtics president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, over a potential contract extension, the young center can't wait to play alongside his new teammates this upcoming season.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens will take on the tough task of splitting up playing time in the frontcourt this season. Between his young core that includes Zeller, Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk, Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko and his two new additions, David Lee and Amir Johnson; it's not going to be easy.

Is Ainge trying to trade for DeMarcus Cousins?

Associated Press

After an underwhelming offseason, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge, could explore a deal that should make his team contenders in the Eastern Conference for the first time since the New Big 3 era. Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins is a player Ainge must keep an eye on. Although he hasn't been able to turn things around for the Kings' franchise out west, a player like Cousins could turn things around in a much weaker Eastern Conference.

Ainge in contract talks w/Sullinger, Zeller

Associated Press

The Celtics have until Oct. 31 to decide if they want to offer contract extensions to Tyler Zeller and Jared Sullinger, two extension-eligible players that are still on their rookie contract.

Celtics president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, told the Boston Globe that he's had meetings with Sullinger and Zeller's agents and that talks will continue through October.