Comparing current Celtics to last season - better? best in East?

As of this morning, three Celtics starters are out with injuries. Let's start with Gordon Hayward. First of all, I can't see a player ask for a basketball so soon after a devastating injury and then proceed to launch shots at the hoop from a chair that doesn't harbor at least a bit of hope of returning prior to the playoffs. Forget what he said about not returning this season. He didn't want to disappoint the fans or himself if he said he was attempting to return and then failed to do so. We will assume he won't be back this season and be thrilled if he does.

On Celtics this year vs. last:

NBA personnel director: “You can go player for player in their rotation, and it’s just a better team…