The forecast continues - this time with the topic of the biggest overachiever. This boils down to expectations, which is similar to my mini-rant on "what is overrated/underrated?" So the under and overachieving is in the eye of the beholder so to speak. Here's what we thought.
Summer Forecast: Exceeds expectations - Boston Celtics Blog - ESPN Boston
Kevin O'Connor, CelticsBlog (Gerald Wallace)
I don't buy the fact that Gerald Wallace suddenly aged 10 years this past season. I think his lack of success came from the absence of a defined role at certain points last season. Going back to the 2011-12 season, Wallace was still considered one of the best defenders at the small forward position in the NBA. Last year, he still had success defensively but his horrific year on offense overshadowed his continued success on the other end. Playing alongside Rajon Rondo, Wallace could improve offensively by playing in an up-tempo offense like he did with both Charlotte and Portland. The defense is still there for him, and I think he will exceed expectations with the energy, effort, and skill he brings off the bench.
Jeff Clark, CelticsBlog (Kris Humphries):
People are so focused on how bad Humphries was last year and how large his salary is and how many times he was on TMZ that they ignore the fact that, with playing time, he could be right back to averaging a double-double.
Bill Sy, CelticsBlog (Avery Bradley):
There isn't a player that epitomizes Brad Stevens' do-more-with-less success than Avery Bradley. He reminds me so much of those gutty players like Gordon Hayward and Shelvin Mack that lead Butler to back-to-back championship games. Stevens loves guards that can play defense and Bradley is one of the best on-ball defenders in the game. There's also the return of Rajon Rondo. When Bradley succeeded Ray Allen in the starting lineup two years ago, the rumor is that it was at Rondo's request. After Doc Rivers made that move, Bradley went on to average 15 points per game and shot over 50 percent from the field. For most fans, expectations will be low for Bradley because he faltered last season as a point guard after Rondo's ACL tear, but with Rondo back, he'll move to his natural position at the 2. Couple that with the fact that Bradley will most likely enter next season as a restricted free agent, unless Danny Ainge can sign him to an extension this fall, and you've got all the makings of a second breakout season for Bradley. Stevens will give him every opportunity to prove that he should remain with the Celtics long term.
Looking at the other responses I kind of wish I hadn't mailed in my response quite so much, but oh well. Nice job Bill and Kevin.