ESPN Insider unveiled its annual Future Rankings for NBA teams and smack-dab in the middle of the 30-team pack is the Boston Celtics at No. 15:
While the grading formula is a bit convoluted, the team's management (Doc Rivers/Danny Ainge) and the market size help Boston's cause despite a veteran-led roster that's constrained by the cap (for at least one more year, anyhow). Writes Kevin Pelton: "Given the age of their core and their limited flexibility, the Celtics could easily rank lower. Our panel has faith because Boston is a top-10 market and the duo of Ainge and head coach Doc Rivers -- the second most tenured coach/GM combo in the league -- has earned its trust over the last decade."