Are the Boston Celtics true contenders?

ABSOLUTELY.
Why?
Great talent = check
good coach = check
tough defenders = check
proven record against the top teams = check
playing with great chemistry = check.
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having said that, I wish Boston could have picked a true battle tested veteran like M Morris, Alec Burke, Reggie Jackson, Marvin Williams, Tristen Thompson (maybe one day) to help Bolster their 2nd unit.
Grant Williams, Romeo Langford, Wanamaker are just not playoff ready. I feel like Boston will be so close to beating anyone, but will fall just short, due to not enough help for their starters. But as I write this Tatum has really taken his game up a notch and a half. His last 11 games (since being announced an All star) has averaged near 30 points on 52 , 49, and 89 %..
He has hit beast mode…
So anything with Boston won’t really surprise me..

Yes they defenitely are. Dont sleep on Boston that young core is getting better ever game and the teams chemistry will only keep improving.

I’d say they are a top 5 NBA Team and could reach Conference Finals – the SF potentially against the Raptors would be a toss up. But getting past Bucks and say Lakers or Clippers to win this year would be a big ask. But this might just be their best chance as GSW aren’t in the mix this season.

Also the Celtics probably have more upside than Raptors, Lakers and Clippers so will be in the mix again over the next few years.

Boston are definitely true contenders but for them to really have a shot at winning the title, they need one more back up big man. Theis has been great this season but Enes Kanter is unplayable against certain teams. He was terrible in his 5 mins in the Lakers game and Brad benched him for the rest of the game. Grant Williams is smart, heady player but he’s a rookie, only 6’7″ and can not be expected at this point in his career to handle players like Embiid, Jokic, and Davis in the playoffs. No big men are currently available on the buyout market and if Tristan Thompson gets released, I seriously doubt the Celtics would be able to sign him considering Rich Paul is his agent. This is why whether Rob Williams III aka Time Lord being able to come back is so critical for this team. Time Lord is only 6’8″ but he has 7’6″ wing span, super athletic and was improving before he got hurt in December with a Hip Edema. The Celtics are saying he might be available next week if there are no more setbacks and if he can play as well as he was before the injury and stay healthy then I think Celtics actually have a real shot at being NBA champions.