Introduction
The Boston Celtics are one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, having won a total of 17 championships. The team has undergone some significant changes in recent years, and the 2017 roster was no exception. In this article, we will take a closer look at the players who made up the Boston Celtics roster for the 2017 season.
The Starting Lineup
The starting lineup for the 2017 Boston Celtics featured some familiar faces, as well as some new additions. At point guard was Isaiah Thomas, who had been a standout player for the Celtics since being acquired in a trade with the Phoenix Suns in 2015. Joining him in the backcourt was Avery Bradley, a solid defender and reliable scorer.
At small forward was Jae Crowder, who had established himself as a key contributor on both ends of the court. The power forward position was filled by Amir Johnson, a veteran player with a knack for rebounding and shot blocking. Finally, the center position was held by Al Horford, a versatile big man who could score, rebound, and play solid defense.
The Bench Players
The Celtics’ bench was also filled with talented players who could contribute in a variety of ways. Marcus Smart was a key backup at point guard, providing tough defense and solid playmaking. Kelly Olynyk was a stretch big man who could knock down outside shots, while Jonas Jerebko was a versatile forward who could play multiple positions.
Terry Rozier was another promising young guard who provided energy and athleticism off the bench. Finally, Gerald Green was a veteran scorer who could come in and provide a spark on offense when needed.
The New Additions
The 2017 Celtics roster featured some new additions who were expected to make an immediate impact. The team had signed free agent Gordon Hayward to a four-year contract, and he was expected to be one of the team’s top scoring options. The Celtics also traded for Kyrie Irving, a dynamic point guard who had been a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Another new addition was Jayson Tatum, the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Tatum was a versatile forward with a polished offensive game, and he was expected to contribute right away.
The Season
The 2017 Celtics season started off with some significant challenges. Hayward suffered a gruesome injury in the team’s opening game, putting him out for the entire season. Despite this setback, the Celtics went on to win 55 games and secure the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
The team’s playoff run was impressive, as they made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Along the way, the Celtics relied on contributions from a variety of players, including Irving, Horford, and Tatum.
Conclusion
The Boston Celtics roster for the 2017 season was a talented and diverse group of players, featuring established veterans and promising young talent. Despite suffering a significant injury to one of its key players, the team was able to overcome adversity and put together a successful season. With a bright future ahead, Celtics fans have plenty to be excited about in the years to come.