Every year, I like to look back at my preseason preview article and see how the team did in comparison to my expectations. This generally results in a few outcomes. I get a better step-back, overall perspective on the evaluation of the season. I get more context for looking ahead to the following season. And of course, I get humbled by how little I actually know. So without further ado, here are my reactions to my predictions.
This year the SBNation preview model was to give our best case, worst case, and likely case scenarios for the upcoming season.
Best Case:
The best case is always another championship. To get there a lot of things would have to break right. Jayson Tatum would have to be a top 3 MVP candidate. Jaylen Brown would be the topic of highly sophisticated fan debates contending that “well actually Jaylen is more valuable than Jayson.” Ime Udoka would be in the running for Coach of the Year by convincing the team to play elite defense and move the ball reminiscent of the Spurs “Beautiful Game” years. Veterans would fit in and have perfect health and younger players would step up into roles making winning plays. If all that happens, make room for another banner.
Tatum didn’t quite make it into the top 3 of the MVP debate, but he’s not far outside that elite group. If not for a few months of struggling with his shooting touch and getting used to Ime Udoka’s offensive principles, he might have been right up there. Tatum’s leap does seem to have slotted Jaylen Brown into a solid #2 role, but he’s thrived there, in particular in the 2nd half. In fact, the two have thrived together, putting to bed the early season doubts about their ability to co-exist.
Speaking of Udoka, I don’t know if he’ll get COTY, but he deserves consideration. I once had an English teacher that had a unique grading system. If your grades started out low but progressed throughout the year, he would give you an A, despite the average being lower than that….
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