Boston Celtics fantasy basketball season recap

By Raphielle Johnson

Previous team recaps: DET, WAS, POR, CHA, SAS, TOR, MEM, UTA, BKN, ATL, CHI, HOU, SAC, GSW, MIA, PHI, ORL, LAL, IND, CLE, PHX, NOR, MIL, NYK, LAC, MIN, DEN, OKC, DAL

At a Glance:

Record: 64-18 (1st, East)

Offensive Rating: 122.2 (1st)

Defensive Rating: 110.6 (2nd)

Net Rating: 11.7 (1st)

Pace: 97.98 (19th)

2024 NBA Draft Picks: 30, 54

High expectations have been the norm in Boston, so the pressure that the 2023-24 Celtics faced before the season began was nothing new. Jaylen Brown had just received his gaudy contract extension, and lead executive Brad Stevens bolstered the roster with the offseason additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Brown and Jayson Tatum have long been the statistical leaders, but Marcus Smart’s exit put a little more on their plates regarding leadership that went beyond the numbers. Add in coach Joe Mazzulla, who had his interim tag removed, and there was a lot of pressure on this group to hang an 18th championship banner for the franchise.

The Celtics did what was expected, as they were the class of the NBA during the regular season and backed that up with a 16-3 run through the playoffs. Tatum and Brown, with the latter being named MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals, have that elusive title. And the way the roster is built, the Celtics don’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon. They’re the extremely early betting favorites to win the title next season and with good reason.

Regarding fantasy basketball, the additions of Porzingis and Holiday meant that everyone had to sacrifice something. While scoring averages decreased, Boston boasted one of the most efficient offenses in NBA history, and they were also an elite defensive team. According to Basketball Monster, six players finished the regular season ranked within the top 100 in 9-cat, per-game value, and three starters landed in the top 30. And the Celtics are well positioned to duplicate that feat in 2024-25.

Fantasy Standout: Jayson Tatum

This is an easy choice, even if Tatum did not reach his Yahoo ADP (5.3). It was clear that Boston’s main options would take a “haircut”…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/boston-celtics-fantasy-basketball-season-140000710.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-21 14:00:00

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