Celtics forge ahead with Kemba at the point

BOSTON — At this time last year, a Kyrie Irving-led Celtics team was everyone's favorite to go to the 2019 NBA Finals. We all know how that ended up. This year, it's a fresh start for an excited team, led by Kemba Walker.

Expectations are vastly different a year after losing in the semifinals of the Eastern Conference playoffs. This year's attitude is all about improving, playing together and bringing enthusiasm to the game. A group led by a young core and a new veteran leader seem to be very excited to get things rolling this season.

"Veteran leadership, some enthusiasm, some positive energy" is what Walker says he hopes to bring to the team. Walker stated he's "just here to be myself" and has enjoyed being with the Celtics so far this preseason.

"Fun… looking forward to being a part of this transition," he said.

The 2019-20 Celtics team is centered around a young core that seems excited and intrigued by new leadership presence in the locker room.  "It's a fresh start," said Marcus Smart.

Players such as Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward return to Boston, hoping for a different outcome this season.

"Last year I think a lot of people handed us a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals," said Hayward. "I think, individually, a lot of us had a lot to think about from what happened last year. I think we are all looking forward to the season,"

When asked about Kyrie Irving, many Celtics players weren't focused on last year, saying they are looking forward to this season. Tatum said, "I'm super excited, it's like a fresh start, new team, new guys and I'm ready."

The Celtics come into the season having a sense of camaraderie as Walker, Smart, Brown, and Tatum all played together for Team USA in the 2019 FIBA World Cup this past summer.

Jordan Moore is an intern in the Boston 25 Sports Department

Cox Media Group