Boston Celtics Team Preview: Isaiah Thomas Will Breakout in 2015-16

Alright, sports fans, I have for you all another fantasy team preview for the 2015-16 NBA season. This article is loaded with some high upside players who should be on your fantasy basketball rosters this season. The Celtics are one of the NBA’s most beloved franchises and they’re finally getting back into the thick of things in the Eastern Conference. Just like the man he was named after, Isaiah Thomas is going to be a great point guard in the NBA. As a whole, Boston has a young group of guys who are primed to get the job done this season.

So, here is my 2015-16 team preview for the Boston Celtics:

Isaiah Thomas, PG

Thomas was traded to Boston later in the season last year from the Phoenix Suns. In 21 games with the Celtics, he averaged 19.0 points, 5.4 assists and 2.1 rebounds per game. His stats from his games in Boston are all better than any of his career numbers and he’s primed to be a breakout star this season. His career shooting percentages are both very beneficial for fantasy purpose, he averages 44 percent from the field and a cool 86 percent from the charity stripe. Picking up Thomas in your upcoming drafts will be a very intelligent move because he will be the guy in Boston this year.

Can Thomas become the leader of this young Celtics squad is the question on everyone’s mind. He will without a doubt be the shining star on this team and make everyone else around him better. He’s a scoring point guard, but can dish the ball just a well, which makes him an ultra viable fantasy option. I’m almost positive that you will be able to wait and grab Thomas in around the 6th round of your drafts this season. He’s starting fantasy point guard material, so getting him in the middle of your draft will be a steal.

Fantasy Prediction for 2015-16

21.0 points, 6.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds

Jared Sullinger, PF

Sullinger is a guy that I always look at rostering because of his high upside value. Dating back to his Ohio State days, Sullinger has been a consistent big man for his given team. Last year, he averaged 13.3 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He only averages right at 27 minutes per game, I’d love to see his playing time increase a bit this season. A boost in minutes for this guy could really change his fantasy output for the better.

One of the biggest problems in Sullinger’s game is his ability to not stay healthy. He hasn’t made it through an entire season yet without missing game time. Last season, he was only available to play in 58 games, starting in 49 of them. Sullinger will be a good power forward option this season, and you should be able to grab him in the 9th or 10th round for 2015-16.

Fantasy Prediction for 2015-16

14.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game

David Lee, PF

Lee is coming into his 11th year in the league and the last five were spent with the Golden State Warriors. This season, he’ll be suiting up in Celtic green, looking to become fantasy relevant once again. Last season, the Warriors had stayed away from using Lee, only giving him 18.4 minutes per game. The lack of minutes really made his numbers decline during the 2014-15 season. During his career, Lee has averaged 14.7 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. His stats were much more solid a few seasons ago, however, he does still have some gas left in the tank.

I’m really optimistic about owning Lee in my fantasy league’s this year. If he gets playing time in Boston, there’s no reason why not to give him a shot. If we receive even half of the output of what Lee gave us even two seasons ago, then I’ll be satisfied. The one thing that needs to happen for Lee to have a successful year is obviously for him to stay healthy. He was only able to play 49 games for the Warriors last year, so keep your fingers crossed for a clean slate of health.

Fantasy Prediction for 2015-16

11.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game

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