Can the Celtics Get to the NBA Finals?

The Eastern Conference will be much different from last year's version. A single free agency signing more or less changed the entire dynamic of the Conference. The signing that I am referring to is the deal between LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Now, the Eastern Conference is in a different space. The Cleveland Cavaliers weren't the first seed of the Eastern Conference this season (they were fourth), but they had something other Eastern playoff bound teams didn't in LeBron James. For example, the Toronto Raptors were the first seed this season and they were swept by the Cavaliers in the second round.

James averaged 34.0 points, 11.3 assists, and 8.3 rebounds in the four game series against the Raptors.He had an incredible playoff run (against Eastern Conference foes) that led to the Cavs facing the Warriors for the fourth straight time. But, the Cavaliers had an obstacle before reaching the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. The Boston Celtics gave the Cleveland Cavaliers a run for their money.

Although this isn't meant to be an article about LeBron James, it is nearly impossible to avoid discussing him in regards to the Eastern Conference. James was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. He played with them until 2010 when he joined the Miami Heat. After winning two championships with Miami, James returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second stint. He was a part of the historic 2016 Cavalier team that brought the city of Cleveland their first championship in 52 years.

The Cavs made their fourth straight finals appearance this year. However, they barely made it past the Boston Celtics. They went through a seven game series against the Celtics, who were the second seed of the Eastern Conference. The Celtics made it to the Eastern Conference Finals without their star players in Kyrie Irving (who they lost right before the playoffs) and Gordon Hayward (who they lost in the first game of the season). The Celtics were led by their young players such as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. The young guys alongside a veteran like Al Horford has helped the Celtics become a threat.

The Celtics are arguably the favorites in the Eastern Conference. The Cavaliers will take a few steps back, even if they do make the playoffs. The Toronto Raptors' future is questionable. If Kawhi Leonard is healthy and willing to play for the Raptors, the Raptors can remain a top team in the East. Otherwise, the Raptors are merely renting Kawhi Leonard until next year's free agency, where he could end up in LA. The Philadelphia 76ers are a youthful team who has a great upside. I was impressed with what they did this year and I expect them to only get better. Besides these teams, the East is up for grabs. Considering the Celtics' performance this season, one would have to consider them the favorite.

Jaylen Brown of the Celtics feels the same and he even made a bold claim about it. Brown said that he expects the Celtics to make the 2019 NBA Finals.

On Wednesday, Jaylen Brown was a guest on Trailblazers' guard CJ McCollum's Pull Up podcast. McCollum asked Brown if he believes Boston will get to the Finals after LeBron James's departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers (and the Eastern Conference).

Brown responded: "Oh, we're getting to the Finals. No question about it,"

Brown also went on to say: "I hate how everybody is like, 'Oh, LeBron's gone in the East,'" he said. "I know he did have a strong hold on the East for the last seven years, but he barely got us out of there this year. And our mindset was like, 'Man, he's not beating us again.'"

Brown realizes that the Celtics have a great chance if they stay true to what they do.

"It's important for us to stay grounded and just continue to play ball. Continue to play the way we played this past season," he said.

Jaylen Brown is confident in the Celtics abilities and I have to agree with him. The Celtics played well this year and they may be even better in the 2018-2019. If LeBron James was still there, they would have embraced the challenge. With James gone, it's "easier" for the Celtics, but they'll play with the same passion/intensity. If they do, the Eastern Conference is theirs.