2016–17 Boston Celtics season
The 2016–17 Boston Celtics season was the 71st season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The team obtained the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2008 when they won the NBA title. At 53–29, they finished with the lowest winning percentage of a No. 1 seed since the Detroit Pistons in 2007.
| 2016–17 Boston Celtics season | |
|---|---|
Division champions | |
| Head coach | Brad Stevens |
| General manager | Danny Ainge |
| Owners | Boston Basketball Partners |
| Arena | TD Garden |
| Results | |
| Record | 53–29 (.646) |
| Place | Division: 1st (Atlantic) Conference: 1st (Eastern) |
| Playoff finish | Eastern Conference Finals (lost to Cavaliers 1–4) |
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com | |
| Local media | |
| Television | Comcast SportsNet New England |
| Radio | WBZ-FM |
In the playoffs, the Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls in the first round in six games, advancing to the Semifinals, where they then defeated the Washington Wizards in seven games, advancing to the Eastern Conference finals, where they lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. Despite falling short in their quest to win an 18th NBA title, the season was a success, as it saw the team make its deepest playoff run since 2012.
Isaiah Thomas was voted to play in the 2017 All-Star Game.
Following the season, Avery Bradley was traded to the Detroit Pistons, Kelly Olynyk signed with the Miami Heat, and both Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder were traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, ending the Isaiah Thomas era in Boston in exchange for Kyrie Irving. Jaylen Brown was also added to the roster.