The Celtics are just about complete for the 2009-10 season, and whaddya know? Garnett is back healthy. In fact, the other four starters are back, too, along with Eddie House and his outside shooting, not to mention a newly signed Glen Davis, who won’t get as much time this season but proved to be so valuable last season. But here’s why the Celtics are the best team in the East: Rasheed Wallace. Add Wallace to this group and it has become the kick-butt, most talented and deepest group in the East.
Wallace has suddenly given the Celts the huge body they need, a four-time All-Star who can spread the floor by shooting 3-pointers as well as penetrating. He can defend on the perimeter and defend in the paint. He can block shots and rebound. He gives the Celtics not only a tremendous backup to Garnett, but also a tremendous complement. If the Celtics want intensity, he matches all the intensity that Garnett brings, and sometimes much more.
The fact that the Celtics are the best, though, goes far beyond just Wallace. Rondo last season boosted his game to near All-Star levels with three regular-season triple-doubles and three more in the playoffs. The Celtics this week finally added Marquis Daniels, a solid pro who did as asked in Dallas and Indiana. When he was asked to score, he scored. When he was asked to defend, he defended. The only problem he might have is that he’ll be asked to back up Rondo, which isn’t easy, but Daniels has handled the ball before, especially in college (Auburn). The beauty of this team, though, is that Allen can also handle the ball, and Pierce. And House … nah, let’s let that go.
With House returning, the Celtics have the perimeter depth that makes them dangerous. He, Wallace, Pierce and Allen will spread defenses like few teams. Garnett and Davis are midrange big men. GM Danny Ainge didn’t stop there, though. He’s got Tony Allen to play some defense. Brian Scalabrine last season turned into a smart, team-oriented, defensive-minded big man. Bill Walker brought a bit of energy off the bench. Shelden Williams, an underachiever to this point, has at least the promise of a few good minutes most nights.
There’s just this little problem of 15 players being on the roster. Ainge will have to work that out. Say so long to JR Giddens.
LINK
I see the Celtics as the 1971-72 Lakers. The above pundit aside, most observers (75% of them, apparently), don't have the Celtics getting out of the East. The 71-72 Lakers weren't predicted to do very well, either. They were too old and their time had passed. That doesn't mean the Celtics will win 69 games on their way to a title. A lot of things have to go right, and I'm not just talking about health. Think about plays like the PJ Brown Jumpshot, the Gerald Henderson Steal, and the overtime performance by Glenn McDonald.
But great teams find a way to make the ball bounce their way, and Doc Rivers is a master at getting talented teams to play their best.
(BTW, I'm not sure why Danny just outright cuts his first round pick from last year, when there's a roster spot for Giddens, and he can just be sent down to the NBDL).
1 comment:
Actually, we have 14 players right now and I don't think Danny has given up his hope of making a trade. No need to cut Giddens. I think he still has potential, although you make a good point in that he really isn't a Doc Rivers kind of player.
Post a Comment