Celtics' 'new era' will have a rocky start

Celtics fans will need to adjust their expectations as the new season approaches. Rather than contending for a championship, the play-in tournament may await them at the end of the season. 

Boston Celtics' new era won't be smooth 

The Celtics roster is heavily imbalanced. The guard rotation features some stellar talent with Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. 

However, the frontcourt is an aberration. Neemias Queta projects to be the starting center for the franchise, despite being the fourth-string option last season. Luka Garza and Josh Minott are unproven, having failed to break through with the Minnesota Timberwolves. And Jordan Walsh is undoubtedly in a now-or-never season with the team. 

That lack of balance between the frontcourt and backcourt will create an interesting dynamic. The Celtics should have no problem stacking up points in a hurry, but they will struggle to shut up shop on the defensive end. 

The hope will be that one or two of the current "prove it" group, along with the influx of new rookies, can step into a bigger role and prove themselves viable for the next iteration of a championship roster. The rest of the talent will likely be trade fodder or allowed to walk next year. 

Jaylen Brown will get a prime opportunity this season

Another wrinkle to Boston's upcoming season is that Brown will be tasked with becoming the Celtics' primary option on both offense and defense. Therefore, many questions will be asked about his playmaking ability, given that he has averaged nearly a 1:1 assist-to-turnover ratio throughout his career. 

Brown has spent most of his career as a second option. He's thrived in that role, even winning the NBA Finals MVP as a result. However, he has never dealt with the level of defensive attention he will face this season. 

It will be interesting to see how Brown adapts to his new role. However, the biggest test will be how he slides back into being a secondary option once Tatum is back on the floor and near his best. For now, though, Brown will be ushering in Boston's "new era," and unfortunately for him, it doesn't project to be a year that goes smoothly.