What is you sincere opionion of Boston's chances to win the east...

[HotRod]

you need a in superduperstar to win in this league. Kobe last year, KG year before, Duncan*4... Shaq*3... Dirk*1.. Hakeem*2 MJ *6


Can a 34 YO KG (come playoffs) who showed dip in production last year and is coming off a knee injury lead a team to a championship? Highly doubt it

Pierce? Not really a superstar, and he's past his prime as well.

To me the Celtics as currently constructed are similar to those Suns/Pistons/Kings teams from the standpoint that while a nice collection of talent, they lack the guy who has "it"...although KG used to have it.

Can they win the East? Sure... although against the Cavs/Magic they have the disadvantage of NOT having the best player on the court at all times. Even if they do, the Lakers or Mavs will hand their ass to them in the Finals.

got that right, something special is needed.. which is why i believe cavs will take the honours in the east (i can only dream hope for detroit haha)
lbj is just getting better and better and the addition of shaq gives them a bit of intimidation (i mean who wouldnt crap themselves standing next to that beast)..

however i disagree about mavs or even lakers handing their ass to them in the final.. i would be a litttttle bit worried that dallas might choke haha

[Gant]

I agree with those that say any of the three top teams can win the East (and for that matter the le). However, if Garnett is healthy this year's Celtics will probably be better than the championship team.

Addressing some points that have been raised in this thread and having seen all the Boston preseason games:

* Garnett looks great; way better than expected at this point. He's receiving Rondo alley oops and beating his man down the floor. It's a measured and long road back, but things sure look good for him.

* The back up point situation is fine. Between Marquis Daniels and Eddie House, every point guard attribute is covered (passing, defense, shooting, driving) The two players compliment one another and cover each other's shortcomings. Daniels allows House to play off the ball and get better looks.
Also fwiw #58 pick Lester Hudson has been effective in limited minutes (shocking, considering the expectations).

* The Celtics are huge. Between Perkins, Rasheed, and Garnett they can match up in size with anyone including Cleveland and LA.

* The Mavs though good, are not in the same echleon as the top 5 teams.

A few other items:

* Big Baby and Perkins have both lost considerable weight. Both are much faster.

* The Celtics second unit looks very good.

* The reason the Celtics should be considered favorites is because of their defense. They have three excellent defending big men, the best on the ball point in the game, Tom Thibodeau's schemes, and enough depth to allow everyone to go full blast on both ends. This may be a historically great defensive team.

To sum it up: it all comes down to Garnett's health. So far he looks wonderful.