Even without Durant, how good are we?

[DERRENMATTS]

Durant is that superstar piece who could prompt us to contendership status -- its crazy to think we will be able to reach that level without Durant, or any other superstar caliber talent.

We were a 48 win team last year, despite only having 1 All-Star (who happens to only be 5'8") and a team full of outcasted, unwanted and unproven players, as well as being one of the youngest teams in the league.

We were one of the league's best because we played with tremendous grit and fight on offense and defense. We were top 5 in defense, even though we didn't have a feared shot blocker or big rebounder. We were a top 10 offense, even though we were terrible at shooting the ball, and only had 1 scoring threat we could count on nightly.

All this does is highlight the greatness of Coach Brad Stevens, and the heart of his players.

And now we add Al Horford -- a PF who fits in perfectly with Brad's system and his new teammates. Horford is not a showboat and cares not about his own glory, and his numbers prove it (his surface stats doesn't impress much). But from all accounts, he is the ultimate team player who does everything fundamentally sound and correct. By being this type of player, he puts his team and teammates in good position to succeed.

So how much better does Horford make us?

[FLCeltsFan]

He makes us quite a bit better. Add to that the improvement of all of the young players that will surround him and any other signings that Danny can make whether free agent or trade and I think the Celtics will be much much better next season

[jmost]

We're better, but losing Turner means somebody has to step up and be a reliable, shot-creating, playmaker. We've drafted several PGs in the last few years. Who will step up? Smart? Rozier? Demetrius Jackson? Marcus Thornton? If we don't add anyone else significant I think we're a 53-55 win team next year.

[mev17]

Jul 2, 2016 21:22:13 GMT -5 jmost said:

We're better, but losing Turner means somebody has to step up and be a reliable, shot-creating, playmaker. We've drafted several PGs in the last few years. Who will step up? Smart? Rozier? Demetrius Jackson? Marcus Thornton? If we don't add anyone else significant I think we're a 53-55 win team next year.

I agree - even without Turner we filled some big holes with Horford, and if Durant does not sign, we can bring back Amir and Jerebko and still sign a decent player to replace some of what Turner gave us (or see if Brown or Hunter emerge).

[DERRENMATTS]

Turner gave us a decent scoring option who could create for himself. Now with him gone, it leaves us only with IT who can do this.

I don't see anyone else on our current roster who can step into this role this upcoming season.