In advance of the 2022–23 NBA season, we had opposing scouts size up every division. Here’s what they’re saying about each Eastern Conference team, from top to bottom. You can find West takes here.
ATLANTIC
- I expect the Celtics to duplicate what they did last year. The ability to defend has such a strong correlation to getting into the Finals. ... Their young pieces have not tapped out on their talent. Jayson Tatum is still getting better. So are Jaylen Brown and Grant Williams. ... Marcus Smart is unique because of his ability to lock down multiple positions. ... Robert Williams III turned their season around last year. His rim protection and lob threat were what they were missing. ... Malcolm Brogdon is a difference-maker in terms of getting them through 100, potentially a 110-game season. … Teams didn’t game-plan for Boston last year because it wasn’t seen as a contender until March. Now the Celtics will get everybody’s best early on. That will be a big adjustment for a young team. … Joe Mazzulla will have to go through the testing period where the players figure out whether the coach knows what he’s doing or not. According to people around there, that’s part of why he’s trying to spend so much time with the veterans during camp.
