Pre-Season NBA Power Rankings

(49-34). Previous: . Boston Celtics. 6. team. 18. <p>By the end of the season, anyone associated with the Boston Celtics had to feel good about the team heading into the off-season. With eight NBA draft picks, two in the first round, a solid back court, and a short shopping list focusing on front court help, what could possibly go wrong?</p> <p>Danny Ainge, that’s what. Intent on scoring a premium NBA center, he neglected the fact that NBA centers are in short supply and played hardball trying to score a center on a deep discount.</p> <p>Oops?!</p> <p>Ultimately, the team settled on long time Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford  over all other options.  But the narrative was that the Celtics wanted a rim protector. While many have raised their arms to the sky celebrating the perfect union of Horford to the Celtics, I am skeptical.  I see Horford as a very serviceable center, but not the premier defender as per the Celtics specifications. He was simply the only available center.</p> <p>As for those 8 draft picks?  They netted the Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown, who will have trouble getting meaningful playing minutes this season.</p> <p>I don’t see the Celtics improving. Call me a cynic.</p> <p><strong>Key Losses:</strong> Evan Turner, Jared Sullinger<br /> <strong>Key Gains:</strong> Al Horford<br /> <strong>Key Statistic</strong>:  3pt Shooting accuracy<br /> <strong>NBA Power Rankings:</strong> 6th</p>