3 areas where Boston Celtics improved in the 2021 NBA offseason

#2 Backcourt depth

Dennis Schroder signed a contract with the Boston Celtics in the 2021 NBA offseason/

The Boston Celtics did not have an elite guard on their roster to replace Kemba Walker off the bench.

Although Payton Pritchard had a decent season, his skill set is not enough for a team like the Celtics that are hoping to be championship contenders. Evan Fournier's addition midway through the 2020-21 season was undoubtedly a boost, but was not sufficient in their championship race.

To address that, the Boston Celtics got Kris Dunn and Dennis Schroder, who came at a huge discount. Schroder is an incredible player, but was not a great fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Dunn, though, has been used in a trade deal to bring in 25-year-old Juancho Hernangomez.

Josh Richardson was another great addition to bolster their backcourt. Although his 3-point shooting has dropped significantly compared to his 46.1% tally in his rookie season, his value is in defense.

Al Horford, Dennis Schröder and Josh Richardson are in.Evan Fournier, Kemba Walker and Tristan Thompson are out.What grade would you give the Celtics’ offseason?@talkhoops weighs in ⤵️https://t.co/BVNyptiyVg

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) September 10, 2021

The biggest win for the Boston Celtics is perhaps Marcus Smart's contract extension. Smart's contributions are not entirely seen in the box score, which might sometimes be misleading. The Celtics' front office, though, knows how valuable the 27-year-old is, which is why they have reached a deal to keep him on till 2026 for $77 million.

With these additions, the Boston Celtics could keep the intensity at both ends of the court throughout the game. Udoka is putting together some of the best two-way players in the league that will fit into his style.

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#3 Change in leadership

Brad Stevens is the new Boston Celtics' president of basketball operations.

Perhaps the most important move for the Boston Celtics in the 2021 offseason was a change in leadership. Brad Stevens was promoted to president of basketball operations, following Danny Ainge's retirement. To fill the vacancy in the head coach position, Ime Udoka was signed as Stevens' replacement.

The Boston Celtics earlier this offseason brought in Ime Udoka to replace Brad Stevens. @NBADevereaux sets some expectations out for the brand new head coach. #NBA #NBATwitter #BleedGreen https://t.co/16T7nR3O4P

— Prime Time Sports Talk (@PTSTNews) September 7, 2021

Although both coaches follow a similar approach to the game - defense-first - Udoka expects the same intensity from players at both ends of the court. It'll be exciting to see how the young Boston Celtics team grows and competes in the NBA as we look forward to the start of the new season.