Atlantic Division Preview: Boston Celtics

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In the second of a five-part installment reviewing the state of the Atlantic Division heading into the 2013-14 NBA season, John Finger checks out the new-look Celtics:

Boston Celtics
2012-13 record: 41-40 (third place in Atlantic Division, seventh in Eastern Conference)

Arrivals
Keith Bogans, MarShon Brooks, Donte Greene, Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, Vitor Faverani, Phil Pressey, Kelly Olynyk, Colton Iverson and coach Brad Stevens.

Departures
Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry, D.J. White, Fab Melo, Kris Joseph, Shavlik Randolph, Terrence Williams and coach Doc Rivers.

Projected starting five
PG – Jordan Crawford
SG – Avery Bradley
SF – Jeff Green
PF – Jared Sullinger
C – Kelly Olynyk

Fun fact
Brad Stevens is one of three coaches to guide his team to back-to-back NCAA Finals appearances before jumping to the NBA. Rick Pitino and Ed Jucker are the others.

Outlook
It’s a big-time rebuild for the Celtics, who will battle the Sixers for the basement in the division. Perhaps the only bit of intrigue for the Celtics in 2013-14 will be whether Rajon Rondo remains with the team when he returns from his ACL injury.

Projection
The Celtics have some size with the promising Olynyk, and a pretty good defender in the backcourt in Bradley. But a 20-win season is going to be a battle for new head coach Stevens.

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