Boston Celtics headed towards Finals

[41times]

With yet another good signing (James Posey) The Celtics appear ready to conquer the East. This is great for the league. The front office has done a nice job constructing this team in 1 off season. The Celtics will be in the Finals....book it!

2007-08 Roster
NUM PLAYER POS HT WT DOB FROM YRS
20 Ray Allen G 6-5 205 07/20/1975 Connecticut 11
42 Tony Allen G 6-4 213 01/11/1982 Oklahoma State 3
11 Glen Davis ** F 6-9 289 01/01/1986 Louisiana State R
5 Kevin Garnett F 6-11 253 05/19/1976 Farragut Academy HS (IL) 12
50 Eddie House G 6-1 175 05/14/1978 Arizona State 7
41 Michael Olowokandi (FA) C 7-0 270 04/03/1975 U. of Pacific 9
43 Kendrick Perkins C 6-10 280 11/10/1984 Clifton J. Ozen HS (TX) 4
34 Paul Pierce F-G 6-6 230 10/13/1977 Kansas 9
66 Scot Pollard C-F 6-11 265 02/12/1975 Kansas 10
41 James Posey F-G 6-8 217 01/13/1977 Xavier (Ohio) 8
0 Leon Powe F 6-8 240 01/22/1984 California 1
13 Gabe Pruitt ** G 6-4 170 04/19/1986 USC R
9 Rajon Rondo G 6-1 171 02/22/1986 Kentucky 1
44 Brian Scalabrine F 6-9 235 03/18/1978 USC 6
8 Brandon Wallace F 6-9 203 03/14/1985 South Carolina R

[PM5K]

I don't really care who we beat....

[mardigan]

I agree, I think they will be in the Finals on paper
Just have to see how things play out with injuries

[MoSpur]

I hope so, but its a long season. I would love to see Boston in the Finals.

[2centsworth]

on paper they are the favorites in my eyes.

[SRJ]

I still think the Bulls are the favorites in the East. But Boston is my #2, and not very far behind.

[Obstructed_View]

Boston will be near the top of "biggest disappointment" lists for sure if they don't at least go deep into the playoffs.

[dbestpro]

Boston is going to the finals? I wonder which row and aisle they will be sitting in?

[duncan228]

Chemistry remains the question for me. They look good on paper but how will they be on the court?

[T Park]

It will be fun to watch the Celtics.

Finals?

We shall see, last year at this time, people thought the Spurs wouldn't make it out of the second round.

[saporvida]

Boston is going to the finals? I wonder which row and aisle they will be sitting in?

same row diaw was in when i sat right behind him? it must be reserved for the losers.

[Dirk Nowitzki]

KG vs Dirk
Howards vs Pierce
Jet vs Allen

Mavs vs Celts would be a great potiential finals matchup! :clap

[Viva Las Espuelas]

KG vs Dirk
Howards vs Pierce
Jet vs Allen

Mavs vs Celts would be a great potiential finals matchup! :clap:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol:lol

[Switchman]

Duncan vs. KG.
Bowen vs. Allen
and so on.



kthxbye.

[saporvida]

KG vs Dirk
Howards vs Pierce
Jet vs Allen

Mavs vs Celts would be a great potiential finals matchup! :clap

hahahaha. mavs are set to break more losing records this yr too. i dont see the mavs making the top 3 seeds at all. just my view on things. either way i see another choke job ready to happen. dont you mav fans already realize by now that your team is a joke?

it's going down like this. spurs vs pistons. book it!

[ambchang]

Boston's 5 best players:
KG
Pierce
Ray Allen
James Posey
Kendrick Perkins

No coach will play this lineup. Their PG sucks, their interior scoring is terrible. There is a huge overlap of skills on the team. Pierce will probably be their best low post scorer, KG will do more distribution in the PG role, their interior defense will be horrid, their big 3 all needs the ball to be effective.
The Celtics will be the biggest disappointment next year, no question. 2nd round exit.

[saporvida]

Boston's 5 best players:
KG
Pierce
Ray Allen
James Posey
Kendrick Perkins

No coach will play this lineup. Their PG sucks, their interior scoring is terrible. There is a huge overlap of skills on the team. Pierce will probably be their best low post scorer, KG will do more distribution in the PG role, their interior defense will be horrid, their big 3 all needs the ball to be effective.
The Celtics will be the biggest disappointment next year, no question. 2nd round exit.

book it! i totally agree.

[lil'mo]

KG vs Dirk
Howards vs Pierce
Jet vs Allen

Mavs vs Celts would be a great potiential finals matchup! :clap
hahahaha, YAHHHH DAWGGGG!

[freedom&justice]

Premature. The favorite eight now is probably Chicago. They're a lot younger and a lot deeper than Boston is.

[2centsworth]

biggest problem for the celts will be D.

[exstatic]

Boston is old, they have thin roster, and they have no PG. I think they are a top half draw Eastern playoff team, but I also think both DET and CHI are better.

[mardigan]

Boston is old, they have thin roster, and they have no PG. I think they are a top half draw Eastern playoff team, but I also think both DET and CHI are better.
Rondo is pretty damn good
House will provide sroing from the point spot off the bench, and Pruiit could help as well
Any team that loses to that Cavs team I will never put ahead of this Celtics team
Chicago, who knows
I personally think they are going to regress next year
And the Celts arent that thin really, except for maybe a vet backup center

[The_Game]

pistons are done, stop thinking they can compete with Boston.

bulls? they are talented but have no go to guy and no guy in the frontcourt. Boston have 3 stars and have signed some good shooters. they will win the east.

[Axl Van Dam]

With yet another good signing (James Posey) The Celtics appear ready to conquer the East. This is great for the league. The front office has done a nice job constructing this team in 1 off season. The Celtics will be in the Finals....book it!

2007-08 Roster
NUM PLAYER POS HT WT DOB FROM YRS
20 Ray Allen G 6-5 205 07/20/1975 Connecticut 11
42 Tony Allen G 6-4 213 01/11/1982 Oklahoma State 3
11 Glen Davis ** F 6-9 289 01/01/1986 Louisiana State R
5 Kevin Garnett F 6-11 253 05/19/1976 Farragut Academy HS (IL) 12
50 Eddie House G 6-1 175 05/14/1978 Arizona State 7
41 Michael Olowokandi (FA) C 7-0 270 04/03/1975 U. of Pacific 9
43 Kendrick Perkins C 6-10 280 11/10/1984 Clifton J. Ozen HS (TX) 4
34 Paul Pierce F-G 6-6 230 10/13/1977 Kansas 9
66 Scot Pollard C-F 6-11 265 02/12/1975 Kansas 10
41 James Posey F-G 6-8 217 01/13/1977 Xavier (Ohio) 8
0 Leon Powe F 6-8 240 01/22/1984 California 1
13 Gabe Pruitt ** G 6-4 170 04/19/1986 USC R
9 Rajon Rondo G 6-1 171 02/22/1986 Kentucky 1
44 Brian Scalabrine F 6-9 235 03/18/1978 USC 6
8 Brandon Wallace F 6-9 203 03/14/1985 South Carolina R

:wtf Who'll run the point? :wtf

[samikeyp]

The East is still playing for second.

[exstatic]

Boston have 3 stars from 5 years ago and have signed some good shooters.
FIFY

BTW, Detroit is still a team, if nothing else, and the Spurs have shown that team beats an amalgamation of talent. Chicago has some holes, but they are also a team, and a fuck of a lot deeper than Boston. If there's a vBookie, we can throw down on this.

[mardigan]

:wtf Who'll run the point? :wtf
Rondo, House, Pruitt

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

games are played for a reason, all 98+. Repeat comin, uh....Book it.yeah thats the ticket

[Fast Dunk]

It will be fun to watch the Celtics.

Finals?

We shall see, last year at this time, people thought the Spurs wouldn't make it out of the second round.


Thank The Golden State Warriors for that!

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

thanks golden state for proving that dallas didn't even deserve to play us.

[Fast Dunk]

Might as well throw Donaghy in the mix as well

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

thanks donaghy, for proving that not even dirty refs could push pheonix past the spurs

[TDMVPDPOY]

ROFLMAO they makn finals...

they lack depth

there are other teams in the east that i take over them

they got 3 biggest choke artist on the same team

they havnt done shit yet

they only look good on paper....

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

shall we add lebron?

[Dirk Nowitzki]

Bulls lack an inside game. They got that piece of shit Noah who should of been no where near a top 10 pick. They signed Joe Smith. They still lack a superstar. The Cavs didnt have a sexy team yet made the finals so how is it impossible for Boston?

[Fast Dunk]

shall we add lebron?

No, just the refs, specially Bob Delaney

[HighLowLobForBig-50]

thanks, bob, for proving that not even Stern could keep himself from losing mega bucks and the Spurs from sweeping tha finals

[Axl Van Dam]

Rondo, House, Pruitt

:wakeup They could sure try. But they're not what you can call legitimate point guards. :wakeup

[Hoy]

Rondo can't shoot but that is no problem with 3 scorers. It's a blessing actually to have a guy who will who pass the ball and can play excellent defense. I think Rondo will be the best defender at point position next year.
House and Pruitt, I like them better than Vaughn and Beno as backups.

[The_Game]

FIFY

BTW, Detroit is still a team, if nothing else, and the Spurs have shown that team beats an amalgamation of talent. Chicago has some holes, but they are also a team, and a fuck of a lot deeper than Boston. If there's a vBookie, we can throw down on this.

they are still great players..old or not.

Pistons are done, they have worn down in the playoffs the last two years and failed badly. their best players are not what they were and they have have lost webber. Bulls may be deep but their best player isn't even better than Boston's 3rd best player....that says it all. depth only means something if your starters are all good enough. bulls aren't.

[JPB]

The main issue is chemistry and experience as a team.

It tooks several years and adjustements to establish a team as a contender. I don't know if one RS will be enough for them to make the finals.

But again, it is the East.

[mardigan]

:wakeup They could sure try. But they're not what you can call legitimate point guards. :wakeup
Man, I really dont think anyone has seen Rondo play at all that claim they have no point. Yea hes young, but he is very, very talented.
6 points, 4 boards, 4 assists (with a much worse cast than he will have this year), and 2 steal a game in 24 minutes. And look at his stats the last month of the season when he started getting minutes (I know the Celts were already done), 13 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 and a half steal a game while shooting 55% from the floor. He is going to be very good. He is a legitimate point guard

[JamStone]

they are still great players..old or not.

Pistons are done, they have worn down in the playoffs the last two years and failed badly. their best players are not what they were and they have have lost webber. Bulls may be deep but their best player isn't even better than Boston's 3rd best player....that says it all. depth only means something if your starters are all good enough. bulls aren't.

I think the Pistons are on the decline. But, I'm not sure they are "done," and I don't think they can't beat Boston.

Mind you, many people, including NBA analysts have been saying the Pistons are done the last three summers before each of the last three seasons.

And, if reaching the conference finals five straight years, including the last two years is failing badly, what does that say about every other team in the league?

Swallow that for a second. Five straight conference finals appearances. Over the last five seasons, no other team has had the playoff success the Pistons have had in terms of wins and losses. No team has gone deeper in the playoffs as consistently as them, not even the Spurs. Now the Spurs have more championships and they play in a tougher conference. We take that into consideration. But, no other current NBA team can say they went to five straight conference finals. That is not failing badly.

They are on the decline. No question about it. But, saying they're done just like the last three summers is all very premature. They'll compete in the east. They'll be a factor. The only core player arguably not in his prime anymore is Rasheed Wallace. Rip and Tayshaun aren't even 30 yet. Chauncey doesn't rely on quickness or athleticism to be effective. They are not what they were? If the Pistons players aren't what they used to be, both Manu and Duncan are in sharp decline as well, because they are at that age as well. But, no, Duncan and Manu are different, right?

And, Boston's third best player is Ray Allen. At this stage in his career, he's not better than Rip or Chauncey.

That is about as naive and exaggerating a post as there is.

[ShoogarBear]

The Pistons' only real problem is the guy in the suit on the bench.

And it's not like Doc Rivers is going to outcoach Flip.

[mardigan]

I would venture to say that Ray is still a much better player than Rip. We will have to see how those grafted ankles hold up though.
And even if he isnt better than Rip, their first two options are better than the Pistons first two options.
I just really think if the Cavs can make it to the Finals, I dont see any reason why the the Celts couldnt make it.
But as stated many times, chemistry will play a big part, as well as injurys. If Tony Allen can come back and play at the level he played at last year before he got hurt, they could be a very scary team

[Craig]

The Lakers had an all-star cast assembled, too.

[ShoogarBear]

The Pistons' only real problem is the guy in the suit on the bench.

And it's not like Doc Rivers is going to outcoach Flip.Actually, I may have to re-think that, considering the 2007 ECF.

[mardigan]

The Lakers had an all-star cast assembled, too.
Yea, and they made it to the Finals, with 2 of them, being ancient. Im pretty sure the fans of Boston would be quite happy with a Finals appearance

[Obstructed_View]

I've probably said it before, but if there comes a year where Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are both in contract years, LOOK OUT NBA...

[himat]

they are still great players..old or not.

Pistons are done, they have worn down in the playoffs the last two years and failed badly. their best players are not what they were and they have have lost webber.

They have worn down the last two years, but that does not mean it has to happen again. That's like saying the Spurs won't repeat because they have not done that the last 3 times they won the NBA championship. If the bench is actually played and the starters don't play 40 mpg, then that won't occur again. If the bench is not played, then you are correct.

I would also have to disagree on the best players statement. The way I see it is that guys like Dice and Sheed are on the way down while guys like Rip, Tayshaun, and Maxiell are on the way up.

Webber was not even utilized correctly in the offense last year. He is not the top 10 player he used to be. When he came to Detroit the only thing he could do as good as he could do with the Kings was pass, and Flip S. did not make use of that. Losing Webber is not that big of a loss.

[mardigan]

I think most Spur fans just think the Pistons are done after watching the Cavs play in the Finals and wondering how the hell this team beat the Pistons

[freedom&justice]

^That's easy. They got demoralized by game 5, akin to the Spurs when Fisher hit .4 The Pistons all but gave up after Gibson kept nailing those 3's in game 6.


they are still great players..old or not.

Pistons are done, they have worn down in the playoffs the last two years and failed badly. their best players are not what they were and they have have lost webber. Bulls may be deep but their best player isn't even better than Boston's 3rd best player....that says it all. depth only means something if your starters are all good enough. bulls aren't.

I disagree. As Jamstone said, the starters are slowing down, but they're not "done". In my eyes, it all comes down to time management. The bench has to play - which, if Joe has his way, they will. Webber's impact on the team was, I think, just a little overstated. He's not as big of a loss as people think.
The Pistons' starting five consists of 2 30+ year old players; Miami has at least 3 - by measuring age alone I'd say the Heat are the ones who are "done". And the Spurs' lineup has 4 30+ players in the starting five - Pop just does a good job keeping them fresh when it matters.

[ShoogarBear]

I've probably said it before, but if there comes a year where Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are both in contract years, LOOK OUT NBA...Either that, or look out Celtics, because there's only one ball.

[spursreport]

Lack of a legit superstar has caught up to the Pistons. They had their nice magical season in 04. It's funny how people dog the celts bench and supporting cast yet Lebron had pure dogshit around him and no legit star as a 2nd or 3rd option. If you want to throw the "there will be ego issues" card just look at the 2006 Miami Heat. Nuff said. If this team can stay healthy and play team ball, they will win the east.

[Mr.ChugDynasty]

thanks golden state for proving that dallas didn't even deserve to play us.

LMAO yeah fucking right, don't be homer you dick...mavs would have given us a better series then any other "team" we faced

FUCK OFF AND DIE

[JamStone]

I would venture to say that Ray is still a much better player than Rip. We will have to see how those grafted ankles hold up though.
And even if he isnt better than Rip, their first two options are better than the Pistons first two options.
I just really think if the Cavs can make it to the Finals, I dont see any reason why the the Celts couldnt make it.
But as stated many times, chemistry will play a big part, as well as injurys. If Tony Allen can come back and play at the level he played at last year before he got hurt, they could be a very scary team

Rip actually has outplayed Ray Allen over the last couple years when they've played.

I can also say that Boston's fourth best player isn't better than any of Detroit's best seven players. It is a team game right? Or, how about Detroit's best five players are better than Boston's five best players. That is probably true as well.

The Cavs got the Finals, yes. So did a mentally fragile Dallas Mavericks team. If Dallas can make it to the Finals, then Phoenix can as well. Then, yes, Boston can and Chicago can.

Newsflash: any really good team can make it to the Finals if they play well at the right time, stay healthy, and they have some good breaks along the way.

[JamStone]

Lack of a legit superstar has caught up to the Pistons. They had their nice magical season in 04. It's funny how people dog the celts bench and supporting cast yet Lebron had pure dogshit around him and no legit star as a 2nd or 3rd option. If you want to throw the "there will be ego issues" card just look at the 2006 Miami Heat. Nuff said. If this team can stay healthy and play team ball, they will win the east.


And, the Mavericks made it to the NBA Finals with a team full of chokers. It happens.

If ifs and buts were spliffs and blunts, we'd all be high off that Celtic green.

Sure, the Celtics can make it to the Finals if everything goes right for them. Same thing can be said of a handful of other teams in the east as well.

[lefty]

TrueHoop reader Sadaqat: "Ironically, Boston needs some youth. And I hate what they are doing. Mortgaging everything for a title. If they do win one, it should have an asterisk. This wasn't a real team it was a bought team."

Why do some people think Boston is going to win a title ?

[mardigan]

Newsflash: any really good team can make it to the Finals if they play well at the right time, stay healthy, and they have some good breaks along the way.
Sorry, I will never, never consider that Cavs team a really good team.






Never

[Obstructed_View]

TrueHoop reader Sadaqat: "Ironically, Boston needs some youth. And I hate what they are doing. Mortgaging everything for a title. If they do win one, it should have an asterisk. This wasn't a real team it was a bought team."

Why do some people think Boston is going to win a title ?
Since the Marlins are the only team in pro sports I can think of that's ever had any success buying championships, I'm not sure why either.

[lefty]

Since the Marlins are the only team in pro sports I can think of that's ever had any success buying championships, I'm not sure why either.

:p:

[MONTENEGRINO]

Celtics in finals?
NO WAY. Remember that in may.
Allen will be injured this season, Pierce and KG will fight over 1st star status, then NO CHEMISTRY.

[barbacoataco]

One of the big questions to me is whether Ray Allen will be healthy/effective. If Allen returns to form, the Celtics should be in the hunt in the East. Their defense won't be that bad just because Garnett will be under the basket.

[mardigan]

Celtics in finals?
NO WAY. Remember that in may.
Allen will be injured this season, Pierce and KG will fight over 1st star status, then NO CHEMISTRY.
Why would that happen when it hasnt happened in the past when they played with other stars?

[JamStone]

Why would that happen when it hasnt happened in the past when they played with other stars?

What do you mean it hasn't happened in the past?

Stephon Marbury had problems playing second fiddle to KG, so did Wally.

Pierce has never had to play second fiddle to anyone, not even Antoine Walker. This will his first time he'll have to do that.

[mardigan]

What do you mean it hasn't happened in the past?

Stephon Marbury had problems playing second fiddle to KG, so did Wally.

Pierce has never had to play second fiddle to anyone, not even Antoine Walker. This will his first time he'll have to do that.
:lol Marbury, yea, that was all KG. Meanwhile Marbury went on to have great team success, while KG, Cassell, and Spree didnt do shit.
And Walker took more shots than Pierce every year he was on the Celts except one year when he was hurt, so yea, I would call that second fiddle




Edit..Actually, another year Pierce took 38 more shots, so 2 years
And the one year Marbury and KG played together, Marbury took like 50 less shots, so whos fault is that really for getting upset? Still cant believe you brought up Starbury :lol

[Strike]

KG vs Dirk
Howards vs Pierce
Jet vs Allen

Mavs vs Celts would be a great potiential finals matchup! :clap

:lmao

Still living in fantasy land?

[Strike]

Thank The Golden State Warriors for that!
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d63/strike019/lebronsweep.gif

[JamStone]

:lol Marbury, yea, that was all KG. Meanwhile Marbury went on to have great team success, while KG, Cassell, and Spree didnt do shit.
And Walker took more shots than Pierce every year he was on the Celts except one year when he was hurt, so yea, I would call that second fiddle




Edit..Actually, another year Pierce took 38 more shots, so 2 years
And the one year Marbury and KG played together, Marbury took like 50 less shots, so whos fault is that really for getting upset? Still cant believe you brought up Starbury :lol


Not once did I say it was all KG's fault. But, you said it had not happened in the past. Well, it did.

As for Walker taking more shots, that's fine. Taking more shots doesn't = having the first star status. Who is taking the shots in the fourth quarter? Who gets the ball when the other team makes a huge run? Who takes the shot out of a timeout? Taking more shots over the course of a season doesn't mean that person is the #1 star on the team.

Why wouldn't I have brought up Marbury?

You specifically stated: "Why would that happen when it hasnt happened in the past when they played with other stars?"

You're an idiot.

[Axl Van Dam]

Sorry, I will never, never consider that Cavs team a really good team.






Never

:toast Couldn't agree with you more. :toast

[Reggie Miller]

The Pistons are really interesting, becuase all of their rotation palyers are better than league average, but they don't have a truly dominant player on either end of the floor now. In other words, they all have to play very well to win a championship; no one player can carry the team when needed.

Detroit has proven that their formula works, but it is inherently risky. (In contrast, the Spurs system is lower in risk, becuase they have 2-4 players who can still take over a game as needed.) Some may argue that Detroit has players capable of doing this, but I would disagree, as none have done so consistently at this stage of their respective careers.

I'm not sure if they can maintain the necessary defensive intensity with Saunders as coach, either. (I am NOT a Larry Brown fan, by the way.)

[mardigan]

Not once did I say it was all KG's fault. But, you said it had not happened in the past. Well, it did.

As for Walker taking more shots, that's fine. Taking more shots doesn't = having the first star status. Who is taking the shots in the fourth quarter? Who gets the ball when the other team makes a huge run? Who takes the shot out of a timeout? Taking more shots over the course of a season doesn't mean that person is the #1 star on the team.

Why wouldn't I have brought up Marbury?

You specifically stated: "Why would that happen when it hasnt happened in the past when they played with other stars?"

You're an idiot.
He says "KG and Pierce will fight for first star status"
I say "Its never happened before"
You say "Marbury", and try to throw out insults
I say "So Marbury having the problem means KG had the problem?"
Answer, no. KG has never had a problem, Marbury had it. So why does that mean he will have a problem in the future? The only time he ever played with players close to this caliber, he averaged 5 assist a game. Again, marbury having a problem=KG having a problem?


And btw, if taking more shots doesnt make you the main guy, what does?