Number 9, Number 9, Number 9

In light of that and the improved depth, the Celtics are trying to diversify their offense. They don't want it to be as Rondo-centric as it had gotten. "We obviously have a great point guard — probably the best in the league — so we run a lot of stuff through him," Rivers said. 

"But also, with what we're running, he can initiate it with the pass and cut away, and the offense still starts. Some groups, the point guard has to initiate it, start it, run it. We don't want to be that team. So we're not."

Note to Celticdom. File this one away for January, when MVP discussions first begin to surface, and then for March, when talks get serious. Rajon Rondo won't be in the running if he's not playing a Magic Johnson role for the C's.

I'm OK with that. Just wanted to point this out for y'all.

Brian Scalabrine disagrees. He's got Rondo penciled in as MVP.