Sorry JBay. I always respect your posts because you generally know some things about which you speak.
But here I must exert a homer post.
You speak of the sixers being clearly more talented ( at the moment ). I do not agree.
At the moment the Celt are missing their two marquee playahs, Gordon and Erving. These guys are established all-stars and have been among the top 25 or so best players in the league.
We can set them aside as you are speaking about this moment. Oh, let's not forget Daniel Theis. A "rookie" from Germany. He is 6'10' and a fast slasher type that can play with his back to the basket. He has a good medium jump shot, blocks shots, rebounds, passes, and out-runs almost all the players his size in the league. Once he got regular playing time he was humiliating 4s and 5s with his shut down defense. He is out with , I believe, a knee injury.
The Celts have a slew of young talent as good are better than the young guys on the sixers.
Rozier is about 22-23 and has recently shown that he can be among the best performing point guards in the league with about 20 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and zero TOs a game. He is one of the fastest athletes in the league and can be a shut down defender.
Semi Ojileye ( sp ) is also about 21-22 and a rook. He saw limited action for most of the season but has shown that he can shut down or limit the damage of many top 3s and 4s. Plus he is smart and can run.
Jalen Brown is a perennial all star in the making at 21 and in his second year.
Jason Tatum (20 ) along with the kid in Utah are the real rookies of the year. A lot is made about how Simmon's game is NBA ready. This is only partially true. The kids suck at the most critical of basketball skills. Shooting. He is not just poor at it, he blows. Tatum does everything well and is a second perennial all star in the making. He was the real 1st pick and for good reason. The kid can score on anyone and can play d.
Then you have two guys not ready for prime time but with enormous offensive skills, Yabuselle(sp) and Abdel Nader. These guys are 1st round picks as well.
The Celts have a clear advantage in young talent in my view. Of course I am biased as I have seen them over 80 times this season.
We also have the absolute best white hope in the game in Aron Baynes to bang with anyone in the paint. He actually has skills.
And I have not mentioned Al Horford. This guy is one of the best passing and defensive 4s in the game that can bring it in the low post as well.
Sorry, the sixers made some noise late in the season and that was cool to see after that franchise has sucked ass for at least two decades of process.
The Celts are the second best team in the league and are a championship waiting to happen.
I don't swallow all the headlines about the sixers.
I watch the Celts so I know who they are.
Homer rant ovah.