Boston Celtics Preview

Hello All,
Here goes number 2 of the day

BOSTON CELTICS

Key Additions: Jeff Green (heart injury), Jason Terry (FA), Leandro Barbosa (FA), Jared Sullinger (rookie), Darko Milicic (FA), Courtney Lee (FA)

Key Losses: Ray Allen, Greg Stiemsma, Sasha Pavlovic, other pathetic players who shouldn't have gotten playing time

Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Lee
SF: Paul Pierce
PF: Brandon Bass
C: Kevin Garnett

Role Players: Sullinger, Terry, Green, Avery Bradley, Milicic, Barbosa

Comments: Everyone is making a big deal about how Ray Allen left the Celtics for the Heat. Celtics fans, shouldnt be that upset, because they got better. The combination of Terry and Lee is much better than Allen. Anyway, Doc Rivers has a much deeper team than last year, which will be needed since KG and The Truth are another year older (and most likely another step slower). The Celtics will be good once again this year, but their overall success really rides on a single player.

Rajon Rondo is the heart and soul of the Celtics. Paul Pierce can do his awkward fade away, and KG can hit his elbow jumpers, but it is Rondo's unique passing ability that makes this team run. Everyone knows Rondo's story, he has the ability to know exactly where players are going to be, and will find the most creative ways to get them the ball. He is also very creative and effective in driving to the basket, so he is a threat offensively. But, we also know that his gigantic hands make it very difficult for him to shoot the ball, so defenders tend to play off him (daring him to shoot almost). This strategy isn't the most effective thing, as he still passes well, and his shooting has improved every year. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndyfsS0bFK8&feature=related His attitude and effort have come into question, which has led to trade rumors, but the Celtics desperately need him to play at a high level, because this team is very mediocre without him. The Celtics don't have a backup PG (Rondo plays basically the whole game anyway), but Terry, Bradley, and Barbosa can all play a little point. Avery Bradley is out for a little while, but has shown to be a lockdown defender, who can finish at the rim as well. I dont know how Barbosa will get much playing time, since they have so many guards, but he is very quick, and can be instant offense at times.

Courtney Lee was a very nice pickup for the Celtics. He is a strong shooter and defender. He had a great rookie season for the Magic, but has been involved in a few trades, so hasn't gotten comfortable. Nevertheless, he will be a perfect fit for Doc who looks for defensive players that can fit into the pass first system on offense. Jason Terry is the bigger pickup, as he will take many of Ray Allen's shot attempts. At this stage in both their careers, they are about equal shooters, and both are incredibly clutch. I don't think the Celtics will miss a beat at SG especially with Terry, who will have a similar role where he will lead the bench unit, but also play in crunch time. I am excited to see his swag along with KG, Pierce, and Rondo. The Jet should fit right in.

Paul Pierce is still doing his Truth thing. He still is a scores well with his post game, and solid outside shooting. But, he is losing his step defensively. LeBron tooled on him in the playoffs, and Pierce was the one guy who could slow LeBron down. Celtics fans should be worried that if Pierce loses a step defensively, his offensive game may be next. I think this will be Pierce's last season being effective as a starter, and then it is time to have Jeff Green get a larger load of the minutes. Green missed last season with a heart defect, but he is an athletic wing scorer. He can drive, shoot well, and defend. The Celtics should be excited since Green has looked so good in the preseason. The Celtics may be forced to play him along with Pierce and go small, or bench Pierce if Green is truly more effective.

PF is the weak spot on the Celtics. Brandon Bass is solid, but not flashy. He can hit the 16-foot jumper, rebound OK, but he is weak on defense, and won't have any monster games. Sullinger is the big question mark. He had a back injury at Ohio State that caused a red flag and a drop in his draft status. Celtics fans will tell you that they "stole" Sullinger, since he fell so far. But, they are missing the fact that Sullinger is one of the least athletic big mans I have every seen. He is crafty in the post, but he will have trouble with stronger and more athletic big men that he will face, especially defensively. Also, will his back hold up in an 82 game season plus playoffs? The Celtics have high hopes for him, but I would temper them a little until we see what he can do over the course of a few months. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlljObv8LwI&feature=related.

KG moved to center last year, and that allowed him to have a rebound season. He can now control the paint on defense, and stick to taking his long jump shot that he is so good at, since the other centers won't go out that far. He works very well with Rondo, and that should continue. I just fear Garnett will also succumb to his age very soon. He has played in so many games, and has done this so many times. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fsy4_IXakNU. He has jumped so many times, his knees won't be able to stand much longer. But, he is the great intimidator, and will always be effective defensively. Darko Milicic is the backup center. Everyone knows he was the second pick of the 2003 draft in front of Melo, Wade, Bosh, and other all-stars. But, he got a NBA championship 8 years before LeBron (so what if he didn't actually play). Darko, now is a shot blocking center, who never found an offense game like scouts thought he could. Here is a gem. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NJSNeFqRZI&feature=related. And another http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0nvmfka3mE&feature=related.

The Celtics are improved upon last year for sure with a much deeper squad. They should have no problem winning their division and getting the 2 or 3 seed in the East. However, they will always be compared to the Heat, and their ability to beat them depends on if they can slow down their speed and athleticism. At this point, even if Rondo plays his best, I don't know if they can. Their hope may lie with Avery Bradley, who can shut down Wade with the best of them. If he is at his best, and Rondo plays amazingly like last year, they may just have a shot.

Next Up, Memphis Grizzlies