Sports

Thomas on Celtics: "We can be special"

BOSTON — The Celtics took a step forward last season. This year, they're looking to take a giant leap as they look to assert themselves as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

“If we can put it together, we can be special,” said Isaiah Thomas. “I’m not going to say we are going to go to the NBA Finals or anything like that, but, like I said, teams know we can be really good. We just have to put it together and find our identity.”

It's not just Thomas drinking the green kool-aid.

“We have that mindset that, 'I feel like anything can happen for us this year,'” said Avery Bradley.

With the losses of Evan Turner and Jared Sullinger during the offseason, coach Brad Stevens is excited for the opportunities that will arise for the younger players on the roster.

“We are going to have some young guys that are going to be put out there and have to perform,” said Stevens. “Under real lights. It will be a great experience for them, a great opportunity. We are going to need other guys to step up. That’s why you have a team. That is why everyone prepares. I’m interested and excited to see how they play.”

The Celtics will start their season Wednesday night without Kelly Olynyk, who is taking a cautious approach to his return because of the shoulder injury he suffered last season, and Marcus Smart, who sprained his ankle last week.

Smart won't be present on the court with teammates, but they have definitely noticed him stepping up vocally on the sidelines.

“He has been sitting right there in that seat and just hasn’t shut up yet,” said Terry Rozier. “It’s good, you need a guy like that. You need a guy that is going to talk to you.”

The Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday night at the TD Garden, at 7:30pm.

Alyssa Adams is an intern with the FOX25 Sports department. Follow Alyssa on Twitter @AlyssaAdams215