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Boston Celtics
Overall: 57
Title track: 24
Ownership: 48
Coaching: 17
Players: 34
Fan relations: 51
Affordability: 70
Stadium experience: 68
Bang for the buck: 109
Change from last year: +9
The Celtics, after a second-half surge to the playoffs last season, are trending upward -- on the court and in the Ultimate Standings.
What's good
A likable and maturing roster has Boston fans bullish on the men in green, with the Celtics moving up 27 spots in the overall players ranking. While the C's lack a superstar face of the franchise, newcomer Isaiah Thomas and friends -- following the December departure of Rajon Rondo -- posted a 24-12 record to end the season and showed grit against Cleveland in the playoffs. The Celtics are hopeful that adding Amir Johnson and David Lee to a stable core leads to an even higher rise in the standings this season. "We have basically nine guys back from our roster that played quite a bit [on last season's playoff squad]," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. "That's a good thing."
What's bad
Anyone who has ever engaged in a "Let's go Celtics!" chant at a playoff game or danced along with Gino after a lopsided regular-season win would argue with Boston's middle-of-the-pack ranking in stadium experience (though the team moved up marginally in both affordability and experience in this year's poll). After shelling out a ridiculous $42 to park beneath TD Garden, most fans won't argue that Boston's biggest problem is in the bang for the buck category. While cheaper lots exist nearby -- the seasoned visitor will use public transportation when possible -- the thought of hoofing half a mile in a January blizzard to watch a team in the rebuilding process is far from an ideal family night.
What's new
Stevens blushes at how the Celtics made a 37-spot leap in coaching in this year's poll, but the 38-year-old helmsman inarguably is the biggest reason for Boston's nine-spot jump overall. Even with the improving roster, he is still the biggest draw on a starless squad. The growing buzz around the league about Stevens -- with stamps of approval from NBA royalty such as LeBron James and Gregg Popovich -- might eventually help deliver the sort of elite talent that Boston needs to really vault in the rankings.
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