Boston assessed at 11th in the NBA in The Athletic’s first 2021-22 season power rankings

It seems there’s a bit of optimism for the Celtics going into the 2021-22 NBA season.

The Boston Celtics have found themselves ranked a very respectable 11th overall in the NBA in the very first power rankings of the 2021-22 NBA season released by The Athletic.

A lower assessment would have been understandable given the uncertainty hanging over the team after a major shakeup not only brought in a substantial contingent of new players, but a new head coach and coaching staff in Ime Udoka, who is stepping into the role for the first time. But despite some road bumps in terms of health and team policy, the level play and depth both appear superior to last season’s in the limited window preseason play provides.

And having two All-Stars already on the roster about to hit their primes certainly did not hurt analyst Zach Harper’s assessment.