Celtics Mid-Term Grades

With a 32-23 record, it's safe to say the 2015-16 campaign has been a success thus far for the Boston Celtics. The C's have made themselves into a serious Eastern Conference Semi-Finals contender and have become a trendy dark horse pick to match up with the Cleveland Cavaliers come Eastern Conference Finals time.

While Boston may still lack the star power of the other top teams in the NBA, they have proven that they are a worthy opponent on any night (See their double O.T. thriller against the Warriors earlier this year and win over the Cavs a few weeks ago).

These are our grades for the Celtics through the mid-way point here on Causeway Street:

Jae Crowder - 14.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 SPG, 44.8% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

If Avery Bradley has been the best possible version of himself this year, Crowder has done him one better. Crowder has become one of the most alluring players in recent Celtics history with his intensity and 'Swiss Army' style game. Crowder can do it all and is doing so at a borderline All-Star level. His offseason contract is looking like another Danny Ainge steal.

Grade: A-

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

Though in a shooting slump to start the month of February, Crowder has clearly broken out of it in his last two outings (18.5 - points per game), the Celtics best wing defender is averaging a career-high in all categories this season. It's time to start talking about the swingman being in serious consideration for NBA's most improved player award

Grade: A

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Crowder is the MVP of this Celtics team. Even though Isaiah Thomas was an All-Star, Crowder embodies the teams mentality of never die, never give up, and always fight to the end. It sounds corny, but that attitude is contagious. Crowder also is legit from deep and has turned into the Celtics third scoring option. He still has trouble creating his own shot and will sometimes throw up cringe worthy fade aways, but clearly makes up for any offensive deficiencies on the defensive end. He has guarded point guards to power forwards this year and is usually tasked with defending the number one scoring option on the opposing team.

Grade: A

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Crowder’s defense was the biggest reason the Celtics inked him to a multi-year extension over the summer and since then, Crowder has become one of the team’s most valuable players. He’s getting it done on both ends of the floor and doing it at a high level. Crowder will guard the opponents’ best player while scoring in double-digits every night. Crowder causes headaches for opposing teams. He is the x-factor – the heart of the Celtics defense, a fearless scorer who’s a leader in the locker room. If the C's don’t acquire a player like Al Horford or Kevin Love at the deadline on Thursday it’s because Ainge didn’t want to deal one or two of his biggest assets: 1. The 2016 Brooklyn Nets pick and 2. Jae Crowder.

Grade: A+

Isaiah Thomas - 21.5 PPG, 6.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 42.5% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

IT has taken a leap into stardom with his All-Star game appearance over the weekend. The best player in the league under six feet tall has been nothing “short” of spectacular and is the reason the Celtics are where they are.

Grade: A

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

The Celtics lone all-star and 'little-guy' is leading the team in scoring and assists. Thomas finds ways to put the ball through he hoop and his ability to simply get to the cup in a variety of ways is truly underrated. The league's best sixth man found his way to the starting lineup and hasn't looked back. My only knock on the guard would be him popping 3-balls when there's still 20 seconds on the shot clock instead of running a play, but I'm sure he'll minimizing those or probably work on knocking a high percentage of them down.

Grade: A-

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

I wasn’t sure the grading scale but Thomas is the best and most talented player on this team. Crowder is the heart and soul, but the Celtics wouldn’t be where they are sitting at 32 wins and the 3rd seed in the East. The All Star point guard moved from a sixth man of the year candidate to one of the top 12 players in the Eastern Conference. He is putting together a monster season. No one in Celtics history has averaged 21+ points, 6+ assists, and 3+ rebounds other than Larry Bird and John Havlicek.

Grade A+

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

The All-Star guard is easily the Celtics’ best scorer and most consistent player. He’s bumped up his scoring average from last season and has become the team’s best passer. Thomas has also become a better defender -- he’s averaging 1.2 steals per game and isn’t a defensive liability on the floor whether he’s playing alongside Avery Bradley or Marcus Smart. Thomas has exceeded expectations and has shown no signs of slowing down.

Grade: A+

Avery Bradley - 15.1 PPG, 1.5 SPG, 37.4 3P%, 44.1% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

Besides voicing a concern about his contract, this season has been sensational for the former Longhorn. The fifth-year pro is having a career season while providing his typical smothering defense and showing an increased ability to knock down the open shot to the tune of 15 points per game. Bradley is the ideal 'sixth man' and provides everything this Celtics team will want for a long playoff run.

Grade: A-

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

He's become the Celtics best spot up shooter since well...Walter Ray. Bradley has so much confidence in his shooting and his defense, it makes him one of the league's best two-ways players. The team's second best scorer should be ready to take off between now and the postseason as long as he stays healthy. Look for Stevens to draw up more similar plays for possible game-winners like he did for Bradley in Cleveland a week and a half ago.

Grade: B+

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Bradley has been key to the Celtics success this year. Arguably, he is the best first quarter player in the NBA this year. He has become one of the best off the screen pull up shooters in the league.  He continues to grow as a player and is averaging a career high in points. Bradley has come a long way from being a defensive minded guard to the second scoring option on a top-three team in the East.

Grade: A-

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Bradley is slowly becoming one of the better shooting guards in the NBA. His two-way game makes him one of the most valuable players on this young Celtics roster, and his scoring continues to gradually improve. As the Cs’ second-leading scorer, Bradley is always a fourth-quarter threat and is still one of the league’s best on-ball defender.

Grade: B+

Evan Turner - 10 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.4 APG, 44.4% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

Evan plays a role for the Celtics and plays it well. His versatility as a guard or forward has helped Brad Stevens get creative with lineups that include him and allow for exploiting of mismatches. Turner’s kryptonite has been beyond 20 feet. His inability to knock down the three is limiting and has been the lone downside on an otherwise useful player.

Grade: C+

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

Turner is one of those rarities where you have a player on a roster that does so many things well, and is more valuable than you realize. Other than Thomas, he's the only player that can create his own shot, but he also can box out for a rebound, get to the free-throw line on command and be your play-maker all in one stretch. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, E.T. might be the Celtics all-around best player.

Grade: B+

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

I’m definitely not an Evan Turner guy and he has been pretty inconsistent this year, but when he’s on he is a very valuable player on this team. He is really clutch and definitely has shown the knack to score late in games. He is probably the second best player on the team to create his own shot this year behind Isaiah Thomas.

Grade: B

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Turner has been a spark off the bench for the Celtics – someone who can do a little bit of everything. He scores, passes and grabs boards. Although his shot selection can be frustrating, Turner has been a go-to scorer in the fourth quarter. Lately, Turner has become a guy who coach Stevens can rely on. That hasn’t been the case all season-long but good enough to go from a C+ to a B-.

Kelly Olynyk - 10.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 41.3 3P% 46.1% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

The Canadian has been a good soldier for Boston but the same questions remain about Olynyk’s game. Can he defend consistently on the NBA level? Can he be a consistent scorer? With no good answer to either of those questions, Olynyk gets the nod for a good showing this season but not a great one so far.

Grade: B-

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

K.O. better known as 'Man-Bun' has emerged as the Celtics best 3-point and overall shooter who's in Stevens' regular rotation. Olynyk continues to choose his spots wisely, and I use the term loosely because if he could play D the same way, I'd have absolutely no problems with the third year veteran. Though he's still a work in progress on defensive assignments, I might just come to the conclusion that he's just not that guy to ever figure it out i.e. Dirk Nowitzki (future Hall-of-Famer). As long as he keeps it up on offense, it makes for good trade bait.

Grade: B

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Olynyk has impressed over the first half of the year. I admit it, I was ready to trade him for a bag of balls before the season in an effort to clear up playing time for David Lee. EW…
He has definitely shown why his unorthodox offensive game can work in the NBA. He developed a three point shot and is among the league leaders in 3pt FG%. Olynyk has also shown great improvements on the defensive end. He is not a “good” defender but he also isn’t a sink hole of defensive inefficiency as he was in the first two years of his career. Now, instead of a bag of balls he can be traded for a legitimate NBA player!

Grade B+

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Consistency has been Olynyk’s biggest flaw this season but his recent play has bumped his mid-term report up by half a letter grade. Olynyk’s offense has made him an outside scoring threat, forcing opposing big men to cover the perimeter which has opened up the paint for guys like Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Smart and Evan Turner. On the other end of the floor, Olynyk has stepped up his defense – a side of Kelly we haven’t seen throughout his three-year career. Kelly’s efforts on both ends of the floor have earned him a permanent spot in Stevens’ rotation.

Grade: B-

Jared Sullinger - 10 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.3 APG, 43.2% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

Sully has had some brilliant moments for the C’s but doesn’t seem to have the consistency needed to be a starting 4 in this league. His rebounding has been great but Sullinger needed to take a giant leap forward this season if he wanted the recognition of being a starting big and he just hasn’t done that.

Grade: C

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

Sully at one point was the only Celtics player averaging a double-double, but has leveled off a bit this month. He continues to be at the right place at the right time on the offensive boards, and seems to hit the big shot when no one wants him to take it. Sullinger has grabbed starter minutes and hasn't let go, besides being the team's best overall rebounder, he might be Stevens' best hustler on the floor as well when we see him diving for loose balls and finding the open man. His passing for a big-man often goes overlooked.

Grade: B

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

I apologize if my B's are redundant but Sullinger has been just solid all year. He is averaging 10/9 on the year in only 23 minutes per game. He has been very consistent when given time on the floor, however Stevens seems hesitant most nights to put in on the floor at the end of games. Sullinger has vastly improved his outside shooting this year by just moving a couple steps in from the 3-point line. It has also kept me semi-sane while watching the games instead of losing it every three point attempt Sully takes. He's shooting only 26-percent from the 3, but his attempts are down to only 1.2 per game.

Grade: B

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

At the start of the season, one of the biggest concerns for the Celtics was Sullinger’s weight and conditioning. While Sullinger hasn’t lost a ton of weight, he’s used his body to his advantage by leading the team in rebounding but his scoring is sorely missed. Last season, Sullinger averaged 13.3 points in 49 games. This is Sully’s fourth NBA season and the healthiest we’ve seen him (knock on wood), my only complaint about his game is his lack of initiative on offense. If he would take more shots (9.4 field goals attempted) and help the Celtics’ obvious need for scoring then he would be back up to scoring 13 points a night.

Grade: C

Marcus Smart - 9.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3 APG 1.7 SPG

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

Smart’s defense is closing in on being All-NBA level, his offense isn’t. Smart needs to stay healthy in the second half and keep up his court leadership and defensive tone setting to make sure this season is a clear improvement over last year. Unfortunately, his offensive game isn’t going to be elite this season and that might sound some alarms long-term.

Grade: C+

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

Smart missing 21 games earlier this season might have been a blessing in disguise for Brad Stevens as it forced him to try several starting line-ups before he has settled on one, which made Thomas the all-star everyone knew he was. The second-year guard now coming off the bench is just getting back into his groove as he has boosted his shooting average from 31.6 percent before his injury to 37.8 percent since he's been back. Which also has effected his 3-point numbers which was a pedestrian 28.7 percent for the season from behind arc, to 38 percent just in the month of February (8-games). When healthy Smart makes good things happen on both ends of the floor. Though still needs to work on his overall shot selection (still only making 36.3 percent of his shots). He's already tied his career high in points (25) twice this season, I'm sure he'll set a new one well before the playoffs.

Grade: B-

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

In year two of the Marcus Smart era he has shown spurts of what type of player he can be in the NBA. He’s shown the ability to take over the game, albeit in an unorthodox way, through his defense and hustle plays. Smart also has improved his ball handling and decision from his rookie campaign. One thing is for sure, he has carved out a very nice role in Stevens' system, and is trusted to be out there in crunch time. Now, about that jump shot…

Grade: B

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

After missing 21 games due to a foot injury, the second-year guard has bounced back nicely – providing a terrific combination of solid on-ball defense with efficient offense. In his last six games, he averaged 10.2 points, 1.3 steals and shot 38 percent from deep. He has been a force off the bench alongside Evan Turner and Kelly Olynyk. He’s especially effective when he’s knocking down 3's. It makes you wonder how good his numbers would be if he hadn’t missed 21 games. We’ll have to wait if he can exceed expectations throughout the remaining season.

Grade: B-

Amir Johnson - 7.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.1BPG, 57.9% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

While Johnson has provided some solid minutes and good performances, I’ve been left wanting more from him all season. His inability to keep Tyler Zeller firmly behind him in the pecking order has left me wondering if Amir is a long term solution at power forward or center. He still provides good depth and does seem to be playing better the last few weeks.

Grade: C

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

Johnson continues to play starter minutes but doesn't finish games, the Celtics' best shot blocker knows what his role is. His scoring has dipped a bit but it hasn't affected the C's in the least bit. As long as his rebounding and rim protecting remain a priority for the 10-year vet, he's doing his job.

Grade: C

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Amir has fit well into the starting lineup for all but three games he's played in this year. He is a solid defender, and has a goofy hook shot that seems to stun the defense into submission sometimes. Overall, I like what he brings the team and has proven to fit perfectly into the character of this team.

Grade: C

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Johnson’s numbers have dipped considerably in the past month or so, but he’s still the team’s best shot blocker and their second-best rebounder. He doesn’t give the Celtics a lot of offense but in spurts – he can finish around the rim. His lack of offense often leaves him on the bench at the end of games but he’s a good locker room guy who’s decent defensively against opposing back-to-the-basket scoring big men. Could it just be a cold stretch? Possibly, but either way, Johnson’s first-half performance has been solid but leaves you wanting a little more.

Grade: C

Jonas Jerebko - 4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 43 3P%, 41% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

The “Swedish Bird” has had himself a solid season in a reserve role. His versatility at both forward positions has found him a small niche when Coach Stevens decides to go small and spread the floor. Unfortunately, Jerebko’s name seems attached to many trade rumors which is usually a sign of an impending “throw in” status for any big deals Ainge might be looking into.

Grade: C+

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

A blizzard was named after him a few weeks ago, and though he didn't find it that funny, it's the little things he continues to do that don't show up on the stat sheet that make Jerebko an important piece to this team. An underrated 3-point shooter that makes big plays when you least expect it. When you need to rest Crowder or Turner, Stevens knows exactly who to go to that will not only do the dirty work on defense, but stop the clock and an get a free-throw or two on offense. Always ready when his name is called, especially when the Celtics are playing on the road.

Grade: B-

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

He has done exactly what I think Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge had hoped he would do. He makes the hustle plays, knock down some threes, and provide depth.  He was also getting some crunch time minutes here and there when Stevens is looking for a spark. So yeah, Jonas Jerebko is really good at being OK.

Grade: C+

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Jerebko is doing his job. He’s a flexible defender who can guard the wing, provides outside shooting and can fit in any one of Stevens’ lineups. Jerebko’s game hasn’t gone above and beyond expectations for the Celtics but his consistency off the bench is comforting and will keep him in Stevens’ rotation going forward.

Grade: B

Tyler Zeller - 5.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 50.6% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

In 37 out of 55 games it's been a tale of two halves for Zeller. His first half was mild and saw him banished to bench duty while the team figured out that David Lee had nothing left. The second half had Zeller in the lineup and playing more like the pleasant surprise that he was a year ago. Zeller has a chance to make some major coin with a big second half of the season and the Celtics may be better for it

Grade: C

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

If you would have asked me before February what would you grade Zeller, I would have said C/C-. The big man went from a guaranteed starter center last year and at the begin of this season to barley cracking the rotation. Zeller, who has 18 DNP's so far at this point, has risen from the dead for Brad Stevens in the last six-games. The young veteran has gone from averaging 9.8 minutes per game before the start of the month to 16.2. His scoring has doubled from 5.1-points before February 1st, to 10.2 per game. In a four-game stretch which included tilts against the Cavaliers and Pistons, Zeller put up 14 and 7 which helped the Celtics go 4-0. Whatever the reason for the resurgence, keep it going.

Grade: B-

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Biggest disappointment on the Celtics this year. He has played better lately, but at the beginning of the season he reminded me of Shawn Bradley in Space Jame after the Mon-stars stole his basketball skills.  (Side note- Shawn Bradley was in Space Jam for no other reason but he was very easy to be imagined as an alien.)

Grade: D

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Zeller aced his mid-term and it saved him from failing. After losing his job in the starting lineup, the big man turned it around in February and earned himself the final spot in coach Stevens’ rotation. For a team that likes to get up and down the floor, it didn’t make sense why Zeller wasn’t performing well enough to garner more playing time. He can run the floor, finish around hoop and is a decent rebounder. The team’s only true 7-foot center is averaging 10 points and 4.8 rebounds in 16.2 minutes, so far in the month of February. If he can keep it up, the Celtics should head into the playoffs with the deepest bench in the Eastern Conference.

Grade: D+

David Lee 7.1 PPG 4.3 RPG 1.8 APG 45.3% FGA

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

It’s safe to say Lee has been the disappointment of the season for Boston. His game hasn’t meshed with the team and it seems like his only role now is as a trade chip. With an injury he may get back into the mix but for now it seems the David Lee era will be a quiet one.

Grade: D

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

When Danny Ainge traded Gerald Wallace for Lee last summer, the big man was coming off a championship and was only a few seasons removed from an all-star appearance. It was a no-brainer that now being back in the East, Lee could not only be a starter again but re-gain those double-doubles most were accustomed to seeing out of him. In 30 games, the main thing that has stuck out for me was his outlet passing and his ability to score in a multitude of ways. Unfortunately he has drawn the short straw when it came to minutes in the Celtics' crowded front-court situation, now it's only a matter of time before Lee has to pack his bags once again.

Grade: C

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Did I say Zeller was the biggest disappointment of the year? I meant Lee. When he came over from Golden State I thought the Celtics were actually resurrecting the 15 million dollar cap hit that was the artist formally known as Gerald Wallace. He has only been slightly better than Wallace was on the Celtics last year, which is saying nothing at all.  Looking on the bright side his gigantic contract may be the salary matching chunk we need to make a big trade at the deadline!!!  So… he’s got that on his side.

Grade: D-

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

It’s hard to fail a guy who is averaging seven points and four rebounds in the games he’s played in but overall, it’s fair to say Lee’s season was a disappointment. Lee wasn’t able to fit into Stevens’ system while guys like Jonas Jerebko, Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller flew by him on the depth chart. I had high hopes for the veteran, but can’t blame Stevens for sticking with the young guys. He’s not a good defender and isn’t a double-digit scorer. This Celtics bench is clicking right now, the Celtics have found their identity without Lee – a guy who still has plenty of basketball left in him, it’s just not going to be in a Celtics uniform.

Grade: D-

RJ Hunter 2.8 PPG, 33.8% FGA (24 games)

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

Hunter has been limited by the Celtics success thus far. Due to great depth and the need for wins over developing players, Boston has given Hunter the elevator approach between Portland and the deep bench. In limited play, Hunter has looked every bit the scoring threat he was in college. Hunter has a future in the NBA but when and where that is remains to be seen.

Grade: C+

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

The rookie guard has a bright future once he finds consistent minutes. Hunter was known for shooting out of college but he also has a knack for passing too. He has had his few bright moments with the Celtics and clearly is ready whenever called upon. You can see he already has a high basketball I.Q. and that can't be thought.

Grade: C

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Strange, in a “re-build” the Celtics do a pretty crappy job of getting the young guys minutes.

Grade: Incomplete

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Backcourt is just too crowded to make room for the snipe shooter

Grade: Incomplete

Terry Rozier 1.6 PPG, 24.5% FGA (18 games)

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

Rozier has had some good highlights in his limited time with the C’s but is stuck behind the guard logjam. Rozier needs a trade to occur to find minutes or this might be a lost season for him.

Grade: Incomplete

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

This rookie in the brief time with the Celtics  I've seen him have the balls to get to the hoop whenever he see's fit. Being a third-string point guard on a guard heavy team isn't always easy, but Rozier has also taken advantage of his time up in Maine too.

Grade: C

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Strange, in a “re-build” the Celtics do a pretty crappy job of getting the young guys minutes

Grade: Incomplete

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Still growing

Grade: Incomplete

James Young 1.3 PPG, 32.3% FGA (20 games)

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

While David Lee is by far the biggest disappointment this season, James Young isn’t far behind in my eyes. Young has only featured in 20 games and hasn’t had more than a handful of bright spots. His window is quickly closing in Boston and may require a change in scenery to fulfill some of his vast potential.

Grade: D

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

You'd think Young would get some quality minutes, but it just hasn't happened. When he does see the floor I haven't notice any improvements from last year's multiple trips up north to the D-League. Truth be spoken, Ainge has probably included the second year guard in every possible trade scenario/offer to every team he has spoken with. It's only a matter of time before the move actually becomes a reality.

Grade: D

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Unfortunately the steal of the 2014 draft has still yet to carve out a role. Dude straight dominates in the D- League so there’s that.

Grade: Incomplete

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

Patiently waiting in the wings

Grade: Incomplete

Jordan Mickey 2.3 PPG, 66.7% FGA (3 games)

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

Having only played three NBA games so far it is impossible to judge Mickey on what he can and will be for Boston. On the positive side? Mickey has been very good in Portland and once this off season rolls around he may find himself fighting for a spot in the rotation.

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

Another big man effected by the Celtics crowded front-court, but this rookie has definitely shown promise and is not far behind like most originally thought. I wish I could watch the Red Claws games live because he's killing it up there, at least that's what I see from NBA TV highlights.

Grade: Incomplete

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Strange, in a 're-build' the Celtics do a pretty crappy job of getting the young guys minutes.      

Grade: Incomplete

Josue Pavón @Joe_Sway10:

D-League Stud (17 points, 8 rebounds, 4.6 blocks)​

Grade: Incomplete

Bold Prediction

Zac Peloquin @ZapSports508:

Bad news, the NBA trade landscape is a seller’s market and making a move looks difficult for Trader Danny. If Ainge can find a rental big (Dwight Howard or Al Horford) or a perimeter scorer (Danilo Gallinari or Kyle Korver) for a reasonable price he will pull the trigger and Boston will be playing Cleveland come the Eastern Conference Finals. In those finals, Boston will push Cleveland to game 6 and expose “The King” yet again for the Western Conference to feast on.

Lastly, Ainge will wait until the Draft Lottery to trade his Brooklyn pick (if at all). If the pick is outside the top four, look for Ainge to make a big deal prior to draft day. If not, expect him to add Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Buddy Hield, or Kris Dunn to the Celtics…only to trade Marcus Smart, Kelly Olynyk, and next year’s Brooklyn pick for DeMarcus Cousins.

Joel Pavón @CausewayStreet:

Danny at 2:59 PM EST this Thursday will acquire Al Horford and it will not include the Nets' 2016 pick. Look for David Lee, Kelly Olynyk and James Young to be apart of the swap as well. Celtics will make a run to the Eastern Conference Finals as well.

Sean Dutra @SeanDutra:

Brad Stevens wins NBA coach of the year honors after he leads the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Josue Pavón :@Joe_Sway10:

Celtics will head into the playoffs as the fourth seed and will gracefully bow out in Game 7 against Cleveland in the Eastern Conferance Semifinals.


What are you thoughts on our midterm grades and predictions? Let us know by following us on Twitter: @CausewayStreet.

photo courtesy of Getty Images