Tom Brady Will Be A Patriot in 2020 And Beyond

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Don’t expect to see Tom Brady in anything else other than a flying Elvis Helmet

Tom Brady has said numerous times, in various ways, that he plans to play until he’s 45. He’s 41 now and the reigning NFL MVP, so what would stop him from playing barring injury? Many have speculated his relationship with Bill Belichick isn’t the Greatest, but this season things are getting back to normal. Tom’s contract is up after 2019, Some seem to think he will play for a different team if he doesn’t retire. I do not believe this is the case, neither retirement or relocation.

How long will Bill be around?

Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

After walking off the field last year under green and black confetti, Brady’s not done, not for a long time. As we know from Tom’s comments, he still feels like he has more to accomplish and more in the tank. Retiring after 2019 doesn’t add up with his attitude, not to mention his TB12 brand. Brady is different, he wants redemption after that Super Bowl loss. Tom also wants to do things nobody’s ever done before, winning more rings, and playing for the same team until he’s 45 goes perfectly with his attitude and his Brand.

Brady has said he always wants to be a Patriot until he cannot play anymore

Brady loves the Patriots

(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Recently Patriot fans may have heard something they didn’t expect, or like about Tom Brady. NBC Sports Tom E. Curran went on WEEI’s “Dale & Keefe” radio show, saying if Brady doesn’t retire after 2019 he believes Brady will be in a different uniform. This is just Curran’s suspicion, so no need to panic.

Curran doubled down on NBC Sports Boston’s Early Edition, going as far as to include Gronkowski leaving with Brady. Now, Tom E Curran is and has been close to the organization for a long time. Let’s not forget he’s saying all of this, based on his observations and conversations. I respect his work, but unless it came from Tom E Brady himself, then I’m not buying it. Members of the media are fishing for clicks because of the lack of content, besides what’s happening on the field. Chalk it up to pure clickbait, the media just creates these stories.

My observation is a little different. Brady has now received his trainer back, Bill Belichick has seemed to have changed somewhat. The nickname “Chill Bill” has been used describing him this year. Also, the return of Josh McDaniels with a 5-year extension could mean Bill may be the one gone, not Brady. Basing what I’ve seen from Bill Belichick, and the newfound youthful spirit from Brady aligning with Josh McDaniels extension I see a completely different 5-year plan.

Five more years a Patriot, He’s not going anywhere

Tom Brady just a week ago told the world he wants to play 5 more years. His friend and offensive coordinator were stopped in his tracks from leaving for a head coaching job. Remaining with the Pats and a 5-year extension, I don’t think this is all a coincidence. Joe Montana left San Francisco at the end of his career, and Brady knows it’s not an uncommon situation. Seeing TB12 in another jersey would look very strange, fortunately, Patriot fans will never have to see it happen.

One thing about Brady is that he is a game changer, on and off the field. He’s shown that, with his training, diet, and performance. He doesn’t do anything unless it’s a calculated decision. Brady knows what he’s going to do already, he’s loyal to this organization to a fault. So when he didn’t get extended this summer, people started to believe the QB would be gone after 2019. As usual, Brady is the ultimate company man, took the deal knowing some things no one else is privy to.

I see a different 5-year plan from other media members. Sure the team may go year to year with Brady after next season. Or they could rework his contract again. Whether Bill is the coach or not, Tom Brady will be in the red white and blue for New England until he decides to hang up his cleats. Robert Kraft isn’t going anywhere, he’s already made his feelings clear through the Jimmy G saga, who his quarterback is going to be. Until Brady shows serious signs of decline, I believe he will be suiting up here every summer until 2023.

Do the Celtics have a Better Future then the Warriors?

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The Boston Celtics are a very young team looking up and only scratching the surface of their potential. With young rising stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier on the roster locked up long term, one can only wonder how far this team can go in the future.

Right now, Boston seems to have the perfect balance of depth of new and experienced on the team. Still led by stars like Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, Boston is expected to appear in the NBA Finals this season. Anything less is a disappointment.

If this team reaches the Finals, they should face off against the Golden State Warriors, a squad who has simply dominated the NBA landscape the last five years. With a plethora of All-Stars on their team, they have been nearly unstoppable, especially so since the addition of Kevin Durant.

However, the question begs to be asked, let alone answered. Who has the brighter future? Boston or Golden State?

To properly answer the question, we must analyze the structures of each teams future. Each team has positives and negatives to assess to the situation.

Boston’s Young, Star Talent

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Boston is loaded with young, star talent. As mentioned before, the best young players on the squad are Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Terry Rozier. Certainly, don’t forget about rookie Robert Williams III or Semi Ojeleye. Both of those players are extremely talented but probably won’t see the court too much next year.

Marcus Smart just signed a four-year deal this past off-season, locking him up through the 2021-22 season. Terry Rozier will probably be the team’s next target, as his contract expires next season. Brown is good for the next two seasons, Tatum for the next three. Undoubtedly, Boston will sign the two of them to mega deals when their contracts expire.

The Celtics really sit in a good place, firmly in the driver’s seat, with the structure of their roster. Gordon Hayward, one of head coach Brad Stevens former college players, is locked into his deal through the 2020-21 season, providing the team with much-needed leadership and experience. Although Kyrie Irving will probably leave after this season or be traded through the season, Boston has the depth to deal with his loss.

Golden State, however, is running out

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Golden State used to rely on young talent to play well. The group of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green won them a Finals series against LeBron James and the full force of the Cleveland Cavaliers the first go around by themselves. However, with the addition of Kevin Durant and then signing Curry to a mega-deal, Golden State now finds themselves in a bind for money.

Golden State has Draymond Green signed through for the next two years, but next year Klay Thompson will be a free agent. Durant may not return for less money for a third straight year. New All-Star addition Boogie Cousins may not stick around either after next year.

This would potentially leave Golden State with Steph and Draymond, and not too much young talent. Two young players have shown potential, those guys being Jordan Bell and Kevon Looney. Neither player is quite the caliber of a Jaylen Brown prospect, but talented nonetheless. Jacob Evans was added this year in the draft and might turn into a fine young player. Regardless, Golden State could lose a lot of depth next year, especially if things don’t work out well for the team this season.

Next season could be a drastically different game

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If Klay and Boogie Cousins were to walk next year, here is what the starting lineups could end up looking like next year:

Golden State:
PG Steph Curry
SG Kevon Looney
SF Kevin Durant
PF Draymond Green
C Jordan Bell
6th Damien Jones

Boston:
PG Marcus Smart
SG Jaylen Brown
SF Gordon Hayward
PF Jayson Tatum
C Al Horford
6th Robert Williams

Let’s just ask the question. Which team are you taking? For the record, I would indeed be taking Boston in this lineup. It has more big-play potential from every corner, while Golden State is relying on its stars to get through the game.

In summary, I think it’s very clear who has the better, brighter future. The Celtics. It’s a runaway conclusion. The era of Golden State dominating the NBA week in and week out is almost to a close. The better news? The Celtics are in a position to capitalize.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, Brock Holt

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The 2018 Red Sox lineup is absolutely loaded. Two MVP candidates at the top of the lineup in Mookie and J.D., a left fielder who’s hitting over .290 with a .372 on base percentage. One of the best, if not THE best shortstop in the game is Xander Bogearts, a man who’s having a career with an OPS not far from .900. Steve Pearce has an OBP of .400 and an OPS well over .900 since arriving in Boston. Jackie Bradley Jr.’s been one of the hottest hitters on the team over the last month. Mitch Moreland is having a solid season, and the list just goes on and on. However, there is someone on this team who doesn’t get as much love as he deserves. His name is Brock Holt.

Brock Holt first arrived onto the scene several years ago after he was traded from Pittsburgh. Holt turned into a super utility man, playing everywhere around the diamond at any time. In 2015, a year where the Red Sox were in last place, Brock had a career year. He would end up being voted in as the only Red Sox All-Star that season, which would start the “Brock Star” nickname for him.

In 2016, he had another solid season as a utility man, but then suddenly there was a problem. Holt started having symptoms for vertigo, which is a sickness that makes you feel dizzy and sick often. It affected the way he played and made it much more difficult to hit or do anything baseball related. There were times the last couple years that Holt couldn’t even track the ball while playing catch. It was that bad. Holt didn’t have a good year in 2017, and many wondered if he would be able to make the roster in 2018. Well, he did, and the Red Sox are glad he did.

Holt can play any position effectively. In 2018, Holt has played second base over 50 times, shortstop 20 times, and a combined 32 games at every other position. He has an OBP of .348 and an OPS of .718. Now here’s the thing: Holt certainly isn’t one of the top hitters when he’s in the lineup. He’s not someone who the opposing pitchers should fear when he comes up to the plate. He is what he is, he’s a solid guy to have on your bench to call upon to either play any position on the diamond, or in a pinch hit situation. And more often than not, he’ll come through.

Now that you see what he does on the field, let’s go more into what he does off of it. Holt is the ultimate cheerleader of this team. Anytime you see him during a game when he’s not playing, he’s dancing or smiling or just doing something to cheer his boys on. Whether its singing during rain delays or dancing in the dugout, Brock just always makes you laugh.

You also can’t forget about the awesome moment that takes place in the dugout every time J.D. Martinez hits a home run.

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Everybody loves Brock. All of his teammates and most of the fans. The smart ones, at least. He’s a super utility guy who can play any position. He hits pretty well and is a great presence in the clubhouse. He is the perfect guy for this team and only makes them better. The postseason is getting closer and the team is starting to figure out what the roster will look like. It’s hard not seeing Holt on it with what he means for this team. It only looks more and more likely we’ll be seeing even more of him in October, which is a great thing.

Prediction: The Patriots Will Be Great Against the Pass

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There are few things more satisfying than watching A-Rod serve hungry Boston fans Wahlburgers because he lost a bet. Watching a hyper-focused and well-oiled Patriots secondary shutting down a passing attack is one of those things.

While the New England Patriots were preparing their game plans for the Houston Texans, I’m sure they approached it as another game. Prepare, watch video, practice, evaluate and repeat over and over again. Don’t leave anything to chance and allow for the unexpected. More unexpected than the entire Boston Globe sports staff choosing the Houston Texans to win? Smack my head.

What We Learned

In the end the end the preparations were over-preparing. A healthy Deshaun Watson came into Foxborough and accounted for almost 350 total yards and two TDs. Coming within an epic Brady comeback drive and a Cooks toe-tapping touchdown of winning the contest. Riding a wave of feel-good emotions would do the sophomore quarterback some good as he returned to the site of battle. Those positives vibes were for naught. He rushed for nearly the same yards but accounted for over 125 less air yards. Watching the game unfold I was stuck with one thought, “This secondary looks damn good!”

What We Know

Let’s look at the differences from the unit that allowed Foles to throw three TDs and 373 yards en route to a Super Bowl MVB (Most Valuable Backup) in February. Starters Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe were still the same. Malcolm Butler of Super Bowls past was in Belichick’s doghouse and played one snap prior to leaving in free agency for Nashville to join the Elvis Patriots. Devin McCourty was the same defensive mainstay that he has been for a number of years. Jason joined the crew in the offseason too.

And here are the important things: Jordan Richards – Gone, Johnson Bademosi – Gone. Both of them gave up key catches that sustained drives when the team needed just one stop. In their place, Jon Jones was becoming a quality slot corner and backup. A bevy of late round draft picks that forced out 2nd round pick Cyrus Jones. An improved pass rush and new defensive play caller, Brian Flores, would help apply pressure that helps the coverage guys immensely.

The Crew

What is the best way to use a group as talented as this? The coaching staff of the Patriots will put them in the best position to succeed. And based upon experience, scheme and physical attributes it may go something like this. Stephon Gilmore is the classic man coverage, shutdown corner. A long and lean six foot one inch and just over 200 pound. Quick, and instinctual he has shown to be worth every penny of his massive free agent contract. Eric Rowe is just as tall as Gilmore but a little heavier and not quite as explosive. He does bring some big slot coverage that is nice for his versatility. JC Jackson is your next big cornerback. He’s a little lighter, but just as exciting and will grow into his role. A good special teamers, he brings a lot for an undrafted free agent.

 

The next tier are the shorter, lighter cornerbacks. Jonathan Jones seems to be the third option at cornerback and is primarily used inside. The Super Bowl drama would have been reduced if Jones did not suffer the season ending injury against Jacksonville. Keion Cross is a rookie this season and was an inactive on Sunday and barring injuries this will probably he his role all season.

The unique thing about the Patriots secondary is the role of the safeties. The McCourty twins are converted corners. When the defense’s backs get pushed against the wall, Devin’s job changes to primarily covering a receiver. Duron Harmon plays a lot of deep and cover 2 safeties. Jason McCourty is still learning his new position and offers some depth for the corners. Patrick Chung is the only true strong safety and does well with covering pass catchers near the line of scrimmage.

Super Bowl Bound

What does all that mean? Bill Belichick can play chess while much of the league is playing checkers. When you want to change your game plan from week to week in order to exploit an opponent’s weakness, you need versatility and layers. This years cornerback crew offers that. Big outside wide receivers, shifty slot guys, and speedsters up the fieldall need a different plan. The defensive backs that are on the team offer a blueprint for success that ends with hoisting a trophy in Atlanta!

 

 

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

Be sure to check out other great articles for all your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com

Follow me on Twitter @ALykins32

Third Line

Who Will Be on the Bruins’ Third Line?

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The Bruins will have many battles going on before the start of the regular season. One that will be interesting to watch is how the Bruins’ third line pans out. With the departures of Riley Nash and Tim Schaller in free agency, the Bruins have holes to fill. At the moment David Backes and Danton Heinen depending on who ends up on the second line are the only locks for the third line. The Bruins have many candidates for the last spot on the third line including Chris Wagner, Trent Frederic, and Jack Studnicka. All these players will be looking to make their case with the start of the season approaching.

The New Guy

Earlier this offseason the Bruins signed Chris Wagner to a two-year deal worth 1.25 million a year. Wagner is not the most offensively gifted and is seen as a better fit on the fourth line. He brings a bottom six versatility and could play center or on the wing. He relies on his physicality and intimidation. Wagner brings toughness to the Bruins’ bottom lines which would fit well on either the third or fourth line. In order to secure a spot on the third line, he will have to show more offensively. Of these three Wagner has the most secure spot on the Bruins’ roster the only question is where he will be placed in the lineup.

Third Line

Photo Credit: Christopher Pasatierei/ Getty Images North America

Prospects Battling For the Third Line

Two players battling for the last spot are highly touted prospects. Between the two Frederic is closer to being NHL ready. The Bruins drafted Frederic in the first round of the 2016 NHL draft. He was seen as a reach at that spot due to his limited offensive ability. He will never be a thirty goal scorer but the Bruins still have high expectations for him. Frederic will most likely fill a defensive role while contributing a respectable amount of offense. Frederic will have to show that he is ready for the NHL as he has only played in 13 games at Providence. He will have to hold off another highly motivated Bruins prospect who is starting to make a name for himself.

The Bruins drafted Jack Studnicka in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft. Last season he played five games for Providence and was able to tally five points. He has the tools to be an elite scorer which was on display in the prospects challenge. He has more offensive upside than Frederic and is not afraid of standing up for his teammates. That will be key on the third line and his play has impressed the Bruins front office. In order to secure a spot he will have to continue to show his play-making ability. Even if he is sent back to Providence he has already left a good impression on the Bruins front office. He is a longshot to make the Bruins roster but he is not letting that hold him back.

Third Line

Photo Credit: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Final Thoughts

All of these players are battling for a single spot. Whoever does not win will end up in Providence or in Wagner’s case on the fourth line. They are each playing with a chip on their shoulder which will only make them better. For Studnicka and Frederic, it will give the Bruins a glimpse of what they can do. They will also be battling Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson who will looking to make the jump to the NHL but will most likely start the season in Providence. The Regular season is drawing closer but this battle is only getting started and it will have an impact on the Bruins’ future.

Follow me on Twitter: @JamieGatlin1217

As for NFL Coaches It’s Belichick and Everybody Else

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Belichick Is the Best Head Coach in the NFL

Bill Belichick is by far the best coach in the NFL, and it’s not even close. The reason for that is simple it’s because he drafted a quarterback in 2000 who has brought him five championships since. Most of Belichick’s assistants have gone onto becoming head coaches themselves. That question is why? My answer is because they either can’t draft a quarterback, or they try to act like Belichick when they haven’t won anything as a head coach.

There’s Nobody Close

The debacle on Monday Night Football between the Lions and the Jets was a disaster waiting to happen. Matt Patricia lost that game before it even started. All these reports coming out that he’s being too tough are prime examples of him trying to be like Belichick. Also, he has a quarterback in Matthew Stafford who isn’t a Tom Brady quarterback. Let’s go to Josh McDaniels, who is also failed as a head coach because he was trying to be like Belichick and drafted Tim Tebow, who isn’t even close to Tom Brady.

The advice to coaches around the league should be don’t be like Belichick because you don’t have a quarterback good as Brady is. Belichick has earned the right to be tough because he has the championships to back it up. Also a big huge thank you to the greatest quarterback of all time. Jon Gruden is now coaching the Raiders and because he doesn’t have a Tom Brady quarterback in Derek Carr, expect the Raiders to not be good this season. Now Jimmy Garoppolo might be a different story. No, he’s not Tom Brady, but he could be a decent quarterback and win championships. But overall it’s Belichick, Brady and the Patriots, and then everybody else until Brady and Belichick are out of New England.

Always time for charity

James White’s Sweet Feet For Strikes

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These Guys Don’t Take Days Off

No days off

David Andrews arrives

A day after a Patriots win, James white hosted ‘Sweet Feet For Strikes’ formerly known as The Mayo Bowl.

Jerod Mayo passed the torch to James White last year, last night being the 9th annual celebrity bowling tournament to benefit Boston Medical Center. As usual, this great fundraiser had a lot of support from Patriots players. Current and former players were walking the red carpet. Jerod Mayo, David Andrews, Eric Rowe, Sony Michel, Stephon Gilmore, Phillip Dorsett, Kyle Van Noy, Geneo Grissom, Scott Zolak, Matt Chatham were the football stars. Along with New England Revolution star, Scott Coldwell, and former Boston Bruins star Andrew Raycroft.

Sweet Feet for Strikes kicks Off

Sweet Feet for Strikes

Once eveyone got in from the rain, James White wanted to get on stage to give a few words. “Boston Medical Center has a great motto, exceptional care without exception, and it’s just a great motto, because it really speaks to how the service is there.” White continued, “every time I visit you can just tell how they truly care about the patients, it’s like they treat them like family, and that’s what you want.” “Because these kids are in  dire need, and for us and a lot of my teammates that are back here, we try and do as much as we can to help those who are less fortunate than us, we do as much as we can.”

Sweet Feet for Strikes is a Fun charity for a wonderful cause. Which before last night has raised $2.3 million for Boston Medical Center.

James White aka “Sweet Feet” on the football field is also an avid bowler. His wife  Diana Civitello attested to James’s skills. Rookie Running Back Sony Michel introduced carrying his own shoes to the event.

Sony’s Shoes

Sony Michel having fun

Last Nights Sweet Feet for Strikes Brought in a lot of players-All having fun at the Auction to Raise more Money

More arrivals

Red carpet

All the Proceeds from the event go to Boston Medical Center. Sweet Feet for Strikes was held last night at Kings Dining and Entertainment in Dedham. Blue Sky Sports and Entertainment was a partner to this great event. In 2017 Sweet Feet for Strikes raised over $400,000.00, This year was a great turnout again. From everyone at Boston Sports Extra we would like to thank James White, and everyone involved, for doing such a great job last night. Boston Medical Center does a great job every day, so a big thank you to BMC as well

A couple more photos from all the fun!

Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy

Players keep rolling in

Red carpet

Boston Red Sox broke a few major streaks amid monster comeback

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Newsflash: The 2018 Boston Red Sox are really good at this baseball thing.

Alright, we’ve all known that for a while about Alex Cora’s squad, but Wednesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves was just more proof of how ridiculous they’ve been over the past five-plus months.  Fans who have bet on the team using the PlaySugarHouse welcome bonus have won a lot of money thanks to the Sox’s win streak.

In a game that Ronald Acuña Jr. immediately took over by hitting yet another leadoff home run, Boston was looking at a 7-1 deficit heading into the eighth inning. They proceeded to go off for six runs and tie the game, only to surrender the lead back to Atlanta in the bottom of that frame.

All this did, though, was set up Brandon Phillips to be the hero in his Red Sox debut by hitting the eventual game-winning two-run bomb in the top of the ninth to complete a ridiculous comeback.

The Red Sox overcame their largest deficit of the season to improve to 97-44, but this had a little more significance than that. Prior to this game, having a six-run lead heading into the eighth inning meant the game was over:

That was quite a long winning streak Boston snapped. It’s been a little while since the Red Sox accomplished something like this on the road, too:

Ipso facto, they’re on another level right now, and have been head-and-shoulders better than everyone else for most of the regular season. And unless they experience the most catastrophic collapse in baseball history, this will be their first 100-win season since 1946. That team went 104-50 and ended up losing in the World Series.

This organization has endured a couple disappointing trips to October in recent years, so while this is all great, it won’t mean much if they can’t make a prolonged postseason run. But for now, they get to revel in this victory for another day before welcoming the Houston Astros to Fenway Park on Friday, which could very well be a preview of what’s to come in about a month.

About Matt Musico

Matt currently manages Chin Music Baseball and contributes to The Sports Daily. His past work has been featured at numberFire, Yahoo! Sports and Bleacher Report. He’s also written a book about how to become a sports blogger. You can sign up for his email newsletter here.

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Why Brad Stevens is the Most Underrated Coach in the NBA

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When will Brad Stevens catch a break? After guiding Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals the past two seasons with a depleted squad each year, some analysts are refusing to acknowledge Stevens as a bona fide coach in NBA ranks.

To understand the truth to this matter, we need to break down the accomplishments that Stevens has achieved during his tenure in Boston.

The first year in Boston

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Brad Stevens got the opportunity to coach for Boston after a very successful tenure in the college ranks as the head coach of Butler. After a national championship run that fell short in the 2012-13 season, Stevens was interviewed by multiple NBA teams.

Stevens landed the Boston job on July 3rd, 2013. Does anyone remember any of the players from that 2013-14 squad? Going, going and gone. I didn’t think so.

Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley played the guards, but Rondo was hurt the majority of the season so Jordan Crawford moved into the starting role. I repeat- Jordan Crawford. Jared Sullinger played center, only after Kris Humphries got hurt. Brandon Bass and Jeff Green held down the forward positions.

The team crawled to a miserable 25-57 record and finished fourth in the Atlantic Division.

The 2014-15 Season

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The Celtics added Tyler Zeller to play the five, and Evan Turner replaced Jeff Green after an injury. Late in the season, Boston traded for Isaiah Thomas, with intension to have him come off the bench. The young Celtics started to emerge, with Thomas averaging 19 points per game off the bench. Avery Bradley becoming a reliable 2nd option, then Marcus Smart, Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk all earning more playing time throughout the season.

Boston went 40-42, sneaking into the playoffs just to be swept under the rug by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Pieces come together

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Stevens liked the youth on his team. Boston allowed the older players to leave and started adding multitudes of young talent. Terry Rozier, Jordan Mickey and Jaylen Brown arrived to the squad. Isaiah Thomas became an offensive star and suddenly had a ton of offensive talent around him. Crowder, Bradley and the addition of Al Horford at center proved to be extremely useful. Boston made their first Eastern Conference Finals run in the 2016-17 season, without Thomas who had fallen victim to an ankle injury halfway through the playoff run.

The team leaned on Smart and Rozier to shoulder the load, which they did well. However, Boston was unable to contain both Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, and fell again in game six, again, to the Cavaliers.

The 2017-18 Season

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This season, the Celtics were truly primed to make a big run. They added Duke star Jayson Tatum to their lineup. Kyrie Irving was acquired from Cleveland. Boston signed Gordon Hayward from the Utah Jazz in free agency. This squad was so loaded, it didn’t seem like they could fall short of a title run.

Alas, disaster struck. Hayward went down with a broken ankle five minutes into the first game while Kyrie missed the entire month of April and the entirety of the playoffs. Instead, the team leaned on Tatum and Jaylen Brown to carry the load, which they did admirably. They went toe to toe in a seven game matchup with the Cavaliers before falling, 87-79.

What does Brad Steven have to do?

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What does Brad Stevens really have to prove? What accomplishment does he have to achieve before people outside of Boston recognize how gifted this man truly is?

Let’s explore some of his former players to see how they are faring with other teams. Jae Crowder? All but forgotten in Utah. Avery Bradley? Traded to the Detroit Pistons and then to the Los Angeles Clippers later in the season. Isaiah Thomas? Now on his fourth team in the last two years (Boston, Cleveland, Los Angeles Lakers and now the Denver Nuggets.

Stevens takes talent and finds the best way to play them and then he utilizes each player to his strength. What other coaches have done well in doing that? San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is about the only one that comes to mind.

Brad Stevens took a team missing two NBA All-Stars to the Conference Finals and then leaned on a rookie forward to lead his team into game seven. That accomplishment alone is incredible! All we hear about is how Brad Stevens doesn’t yet belong on the list of elite NBA coaches.

I beg to differ. He definitely does.

Jeremy Hill tears ACL, out for Season

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Jeremy Hill was going to tackle Tyrann Mathieu after he recovered a fumble from Rob Gronkowski when James Develin accidentally fell on his leg. He did not return the rest of the game. Yesterday, it was reported that he tore his ACL and is out for the season.

 

Jeremy Hill was signed over this summer and had beaten out Mike Gillislee for a roster spot. He looked to be the premier power back and the go-to-guy on offense in short-yardage situations.

What Now?

Most likely what will happen is that Ralph Webb will get promoted for extra depth. The Patriots could use Develin in short-yardage situations if it’s really necessary. Be on the lookout for any trades or free agent signings for some bigger backs as well.

 

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