http://tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=248265&l...s=topStory_nba
For all intents and purposes, this season is something of an afterthought for the Celtics. Of course they would like to repeat and will no doubt make every effort in that vein, but what they sought they worked for last year and got. The question is whether or not this team will have the same measure of motivation going into this season (and through this season) that they did last year.
After all, this isn't a team that has bonded over years of attempts and failures. We're not talking about the 90's Bulls, who had several attempts and failures to reach the Finals, and we're not talking about the 2000 Lakers, who similarly had trouble reaching the top of the mountain. Those teams came together in the hard times and coalesced, established a team chemistry that carried them not only to their first le but to several thereafter. Alternatively, the Celtics were somewhat hastily assembled last summer with a series of shrewd and savvy moves by GM Danny Ainge. As much as they relied on their prodigious collective talent to win the 2008 Championship, they were also pushed along by the wave of expectations and pressures applied by all circles. They were fed by the media machine that insisted that they were destined for the le. They were spurred on by their own collective will to (finally) win a Championship.
Today, that motivation is gone.
They are no longer a trendy team. They are just another enviable assemblage of players with a le in their back pockets. They are looked upon now in the same way that San Antonio or Detroit is looked upon; as a contender with no real ownership of the le. They are now a team lumped in with several other aging teams with rings on their fingers. Could they repeat this year? Of course they could, but no one is all that motivated to talk about it outside of Boston, anymore.
Nowadays people want to talk about the Lakers with a healthy Andrew Bynum. They want to talk about a retrofitted Sixers team or about a loaded Rockets team. They want to talk about the Hornets, who nabbed James Posey away from the defending Champs with a promise of more money. No one is all that interested in talking about Boston anymore because, frankly, they did what they were supposed to do and now people have lost interest.
What remains to be seen is if the team still has interest. Without a doubt Kevin Garnett does. It's impossible for him to step out onto a basketball court at anything less than 150%. His intensity can be infectious, but it can also be exhausting. Sometimes having someone tugging at you like a kid after a pixie stick becomes tiresome.
Paul Pierce had a career year last season and was justifiably rewarded with a Finals MVP for his effort. He was often the teams best and most reliable player - a fact he has no qualms reminding people of - and yet that level of intensity and commitment was such a welcome surprise one wonders if can be repeated by a player not famous for his intensity and commitment.
The fact of the matter is that there is no reason that the Celtics couldn't, and shouldn't, win the le again this year. While the loss of Posey stings, the team is still stocked with capable talent. Any worries about let-up are purely speculation, culled simply from the disbelief that any team, especially one with the age dotting the roster that Boston has, can maintain that level of focus and pressure for a second straight year.
In all likelihood Doc Rivers will take his foot off of the gas pedal a bit this season. There is no reason to exhaust his regulars for 82-games because this team doesn't have anything to prove to themselves or anyone else during the regular season. Like Detroit and San Antonio, this team needs to make sure that it's core is ready to play next spring, not this fall, and that may mean some reduced minutes while the youngsters feast (or starve) against some real NBA compe ion.
The mystique surrounding this team may have abated for now, but come April there is no reason to expect they won't be even better equipped than they were last year to briskly traverse the Playoffs on their way to le number two.
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP
PG - Rajon Rondo
Rondo was something of a revelation last year. Going into the season all anyone wanted to talk about was whether or not he could lead a team so loaded with superstars. He proved not only capable but indispensible. He had a feel for how to run that team that was remarkably mature. It basically amounted to allowing Pierce, Garnett and Allen to handle most of the playmaking duties while he played invasive defense and patrolled the passing lanes. On occasion he would use his speed to get to the basket but all too often passed up a wide-open layup to pass out to the perimeter. His offensive game doesn't need to be dominant, but it does need to be more reliable. Plus Pierce, Garnett and Allen aren't going to be around forever and he's going to have many years in the NBA after they retire, so it would behoove him to get that offensive game rounded out now before it actually becomes depended upon.
SG - Ray Allen
In many ways Allen became more of the leader of the supporting cast than a member of the 'Big Three'. His credentials were and are validation of a career well spent, but he simply wasn't on the same plane as his running mates last season. A good chunk of the reason is because he simply wasn't called on to be more than he was. He willingly took a backseat because that was what needed to happen. He became a highly-paidthree-point specialist and, when called upon, could shoulder more of the scoring load - like he did in the Finals. Of the three, though, Allen is the one that looked the oldest on the court last season. He's only 33, but he has a lot of mileage on his body and this role is the perfect way for a player of his stature to end his career gracefully. He may have happened into this situation, but clearly he's embraced it despite sacrificing much of the glory bestowed upon his fellow All-Star teammates.
SF - Paul Pierce
There was always a pocket of thinking that insisted that in order for Kevin Garnett to truly win, he couldn't be the best player on the team. Most talented? Sure, but he couldn't be that indefinable 'best'. Enter Paul Pierce, who simply played the most inspired basketball of his career and was, at times, the only player on his team that could push through the difficulties in the Playoffs and perform at the level that was demanded for his team to win. His awareness of what a game needed from him was unparalleled on this team, and his ability to deliver that need was all the more remarkable. Pierce has always been a marvelous talent, in the vein of a Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady, but last year he forcibly exited that class by proving that he had the intangibles that forces his team to win. Does having a roster like he had around him help? Of course it does, tremendously. But the elevation in his game last year took more than just better teammates, and all that remains to be seen is whether or not his transformation was permanent, or the result of one man possessed for one destiny-driven season.
PF - Kevin Garnett
He got his le. More than anyone on this team, Garnett and his legacy needed this le. Known as the ultimate talent without the validation of winning, Garnett came into a pressure-cooker of a situation on the most storied franchise in professional basketball and he changed the entire culture of the team by virtue of his presence, and got his validation in the process. While Pierce may have been a more instrumental part of their game-to-game success, Garnett was essential to this team's entire season-long stratagem of shutting teams down defensively for 48-minutes. His dedication to that specific end was the act that defined a season. His intense will was inescapable, and no one wanted to be the guy who didn't at least try to match it. Garnett is not a soft teammate; in fact he's barely a friendly teammate. He plays the game at a fever pitch and expects the same of everyone around him. In the end he may have needed these other guys to make him into a winner, but he was the spirit that got them that chance.
C - Kendrick Perkins
Here is last season's unsung hero for the Boston Celtics. More than any other role player, Perkins dedicated himself to post-defense in an era where the art is disappearing as fast as post-offense. His numbers aren't going to jump out at anyone, but his production in the paint was essential to this team's success. It allowed Rondo to risk his opponent's penetration while he patrolled the passing lanes. It allowed Garnett to move away from the basket to cover more mobile forwards or switch on pick and rolls. It allowed the team to play its brand of suffocating defense because Perkins knew where to be on the floor. He knew how to cut off paths to the basket. He knew how to alter shots as well as he knew how to block them. He knew that defense isn't measured by stats, it's measured by will, and he had the will to lock-up the post for Boston
It will come down to health and bench players stepping up like they did last year. Losing Posey hurt but it wont be the fate of this team. Pruitt/House/Giddens/Baby/Powe and possibly O'Bryant is a pretty solid bench. The D will be one of the best, if not the best in the NBA.
I expect Boston to be back in the NBA Finals, barring any serious injury to one of the main stars. As for repeating, that should be more difficult.
They all swallowed their egos once to win a le, but I highly doubt they do it again. Pierce's ego has gotten out of control and that could cause huge problems. I can see a whole lot of friction between the Big 3 this year.
Injuries as always will be culprit. If they're healthy come playoff time they can well indeed find their way into the playoffs.
vs the Lakers of course.
big loss from posey but i see a finals repeat
Going out on a limb there?
You sure they can find their way back into the "playoffs" if they stay healthy?
I don't see the Celtics in the Finals this year, the loss of Posey was huge and the ramifications will be felt throughout the year.
Pruitt hasn't adjusted to the NBA game
House is a streaky shooter and not much of a defender
Giddens I don't know much about except his brawl in college
Baby is still learning consistency...he has streaks of good mingled with ordinary
Powe had some really super moments and then he comes back to earth. Not sure about him
Posey was the only consistent player and defender on the 2nd unit. He pretty much was the anchor and without him, I think the bench is really going to suffer. Celtics still have one of the best starting 5 but the hunger for a ring has been sated, can they put aside the substantial egos of 3 elite players for another year?
I see the Cavs/76ers/Pistons/Heat giving them a run for their money this year.
The 76ers are the sleeper East team this year.
If Giddens/Walker can be factors off the bench, Posey's loss will be very minor. We will see how Pruitt does this year but all signs point to him being a backup pg for Rondo.
Of course egos, hunger, health etc etc are questions for EVERY team gunning for a le. The Lakers have their share of questions/concerns. Can they recover from that ass beating boston gave them last June? Can Bynum stay healthy? Can the Lakers improve their Defense?
People didnt think Rondo was a solid starting pg or Perkins was a solid starting center yet they proved folks wrong. As far as the teams giving the Celts a run for their money:
1.) Cavs: If the Celts team that showed up in the ECF/Finals plays like that against the Cavs, they beat them in 5-6 games. Cavs havent done enough to their roster. Maurice Williams is a nice player but it is going to take more than that to beat the Celts 4 times.
2.)Philly:This team I would easily agree with on them being a sleeper. They are a team to keep an eye on for sure.
3.)Pistons: I put them right up there with Philly as the biggest threats in the east. I like Boston's chances still.
4.)Heat:
I know you would prefer to avoid playing the Celtics given how suffocating their D is and how Paul Pierce would have his away again. It is perfectly normal to hate your daddy.
I can see Boston repeating too. but I got LA
Anyways, i recommend everyone change it to the NFL Network right now, a REALLY good game is on
Yup, the Celtics put the wood to the Lakers last year, I can't deny that. This year, I'd like to see the Celtics again actually, would love to see Kobe beat Ray Allen and Bynum dunking all over Perkins.If Giddens/Walker can be factors off the bench, Posey's loss will be very minor. We will see how Pruitt does this year but all signs point to him being a backup pg for Rondo.
Of course egos, hunger, health etc etc are questions for EVERY team gunning for a le. The Lakers have their share of questions/concerns. Can they recover from that ass beating boston gave them last June? Can Bynum stay healthy? Can the Lakers improve their Defense?
People didnt think Rondo was a solid starting pg or Perkins was a solid starting center yet they proved folks wrong. As far as the teams giving the Celts a run for their money:
1.) Cavs: If the Celts team that showed up in the ECF/Finals plays like that against the Cavs, they beat them in 5-6 games. Cavs havent done enough to their roster. Maurice Williams is a nice player but it is going to take more than that to beat the Celts 4 times.
2.)Philly:This team I would easily agree with on them being a sleeper. They are a team to keep an eye on for sure.
3.)Pistons: I put them right up there with Philly as the biggest threats in the east. I like Boston's chances still.
4.)Heat:
I know you would prefer to avoid playing the Celtics given how suffocating their D is and how Paul Pierce would have his away again. It is perfectly normal to hate your daddy.
1) Celtics had the size advantage last year and able to push the Lakers around. This year, the Celtics have no answer for a Pau, Bynum and Odom lineup. Perkins gives up way too much size to Bynum
2) Posey was indeed the Kobe stopper although we won't know how much his pinky injury affected his shooting. Who's gonna guard Kobe now with Posey gone? Tony Allen? Tony Allen would be a serious liability on offense since his 3 is non-existent...Lakers can double-team off him.
On a sidenote, Dwade, Beasley, Shawn Marion and Udonis Haslem makes for a pretty good Eastern team in my opinion. They'll jump straight from the cellar into the Playoffs this year. And with the 2nd best Shooting Guard in Wade, I'd always worry when facing them.
See you in the finals Boston!!!!
Good for the Celtics. Lucky they didn't face the Spurs with a healthy Manu or we'd be talking about how the Spurs screwed the Celtics, again.
+1
The Celts have to deal with improved Sixers and Cavs teams, not to mention the Pistons, Magic, an healthy Heat team and the Raps with O'neal.
I fixed that for you.
You don't remember how close the games were do you? Also the one game Ginobili played well in the Spurs won. I don't know who actually would have won but it would have been very close if the Spurs hadn't.
I wouldnt be so quick to ink the property (Yes we have beaten LA enough to rightfully call them that) of the Boston Celtics going to the finals either. Lets see if Bynum can actually stay healthy. Lets see if the Lakers are able to recover from last years finals humiliation. Lets see if the Lakers can actually play defense when it truly matters. Bynum should help with some of that but it will take an overall team effort. Lakers will have their work cut out for them getting out of the West as well.
[QUOTE=Allanon;2748529]Yup, the Celtics put the wood to the Lakers last year, I can't deny that. This year, I'd like to see the Celtics again actually, would love to see Kobe beat Ray Allen and Bynum dunking all over Perkins.
Gasol is soft as that was proven in the finals. He was scared less to post up Big Baby at one time. Odom is a 1 dimensional player and that wont change. I can live with Bynum being the only one of that frontline doing anything.1) Celtics had the size advantage last year and able to push the Lakers around. This year, the Celtics have no answer for a Pau, Bynum and Odom lineup. Perkins gives up way too much size to Bynum
Who the is going to even guard Pierce? Kobe cant guard him. Ariza isnt strong enough to either. The only person who will be stopping Pierce is whoever the player standing under the basket to either foul him or watch him score.2) Posey was indeed the Kobe stopper although we won't know how much his pinky injury affected his shooting. Who's gonna guard Kobe now with Posey gone? Tony Allen? Tony Allen would be a serious liability on offense since his 3 is non-existent...Lakers can double-team off him.
They would have a nice team if they can stay healthy but not a good enough one to dethrone the Celts.On a sidenote, Dwade, Beasley, Shawn Marion and Udonis Haslem makes for a pretty good Eastern team in my opinion. They'll jump straight from the cellar into the Playoffs this year. And with the 2nd best Shooting Guard in Wade, I'd always worry when facing them.
"It's obvious he's been in the weight room".
As long as the Celtics D was like last year's, they will have a good shot.
I definitely believe it will be a Celtics vs. Lakers rematch next season.
Did you have David Stern on your mic ?
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