NBA mailbag: Are the Celtics still a title contender? Which teams are flying under the radar?

After what has felt like the longest offseason in recent memory, the 2026-27 NBA season is right around the corner. In less than three weeks, all 30 teams will answer wide-ranging questions about their summer business and future expectations.

But why wait? Thanks to those of you who sent in inquiries of your own, let’s get to it.

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Are the Celtics still an NBA title contender after losing Jaylen Brown? — @thomasnoble12

Yes, and more folks should be talking about this. 

Do I think that the 56-win Celtics, after losing Brown to the rival 76ers, can replicate a similar model without one of the league’s top-15ish players? Probably not. 

Am I signing up for Mazzulla ball with an older, wiser Paul George (40% outside shooter on nearly seven attempts per game) bringing an efficient blend of creation, spacing and defensive versatility, Mitchell Robinson’s possession-extending activity and Mike Conley’s veteran savvy — with a healthy Jayson Tatum? Absolutely. 

Joe Mazzulla talks with Jayson Tatum during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 3, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

(Patrick McDermott via Getty Images)

What Boston can achieve this season is juxtaposed with the very loud and proud Knicks reign in the Eastern Conference, the sole reason why a plethora of contenders have beefed up over the past few months. But why shouldn’t the Celtics be considered among the favorites? Excellent coaching? Check. Heliocentric, healthy talent? Check. Reliable second fiddle that can create for others and himself? Check. Elite floor spacing? Check. Rim protection and offensive rebounding? Check. 

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Boston is good. Really, really good. 

What team/teams do you think are flying under the radar as the season approaches? — @qschneid14

I’ll simplify my choices here, but “under the radar” to me implies that Team X is actually better than the consensus or isn’t being discussed with the same breadth as their contemporaries. A few stick out: 

Atlanta Hawks: CJ McCollum was…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/nba-mailbag-are-the-celtics-still-a-title-contender-which-teams-are-flying-under-the-radar-202445906.html

Author : Kelly Iko

Publish date : 2026-09-10 20:24:00

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