A Boston Celtics Fan's Open Letter to Head Coach Doc Rivers

Dear Doc,

Through the years, I have grown to admire your knack for always knowing how to handle any given situation. Whether it was changing up the personnel for a game, or offering up an opinion on the Hooded-Messiah of New England, your word was gospel.

But right now, as much as it pains me to say it, I find myself seriously beginning to question my faith, Doc.

Champions have always found a way to persevere through adversity.

Tim Tebow had his promise. Herb Brooks had his scribbling on the back of an envelope. Cancer-stricken Jim Valvano had his memorable ESPY's speech.

Your Boston Celtics? Well, they just seem content on looking forward to the next game.

What? Really? They do know they have now lost four-straight and eight of their last 10 games, right?

Champions keep punching, Doc! Remember that? You should, you said it.

Instead, just take it from Paul Pierce:

"

We sit in here and we talk about being positive, don’t get our heads down. We understand that we feel you can always get the next one. It’s just like any confident person, when things don’t go your way you feel the next thing is going to go your way, and that’s how this team feels.

"

I’m sure the Charlotte Bobcats held a similar mentality during their 18-game slide.

False optimism aside, what your team really needs now is to be injected with a healthy dose of reality.

In reality, the Celtics are currently three games under .500 at 14-17. If the playoffs started today, you’d be watching them from your cozy Winter Park, Fla. home for the first time since 2007.

In reality, Boston has failed to score 100 points in 10-straight games, dating back to Dec. 12. In that same time frame, opponents have eclipsed the century mark seven times.

In reality, the Celtics could not grab a rebound if it hit them squarely in the chest. They currently rank dead last in the league, averaging a mere 38.1 rebounds per game.

In reality, simply seeing the glass as half full is not enough to fill it to the brim.

So what now, Doc? Have the right answers finally evaded you?

If so, let me give you a hand.

How about picking up Kenyon Martin for the veteran’s minimum? His strong play on the glass, and in front of rim, went a long way in helping the Los Angeles Clippers during their playoff run last season. At 35, Martin still has enough left in the tank to do the same in Boston.

How about moving Kevin Garnett back to the center position, where he’s been far more productive this season? In six games as a forward, the 36-year-old has averaged 11.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 0.5 blocks per game, while shooting 41.9 percent from the floor. In 25 games as a center, Garnett averaged 15.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game, while shooting 53.5 percent from the floor. It’s a no-brainer.

How about giving Jared Sullinger another run at the starting lineup? It’s no secret that the rookie has been playing phenomenal as of late. In his last five games, Sullinger has averaged 8.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in only 23.6 minutes a night. He’s certainly earned it. Besides, any excuse to get Jason Collins out of the starting lineup works for me.

How about swinging a deal for Marcin Gortat, Al Jefferson or Anderson Varejao? They’re the answer to the team’s desperate need for an inside post presence. Plus, they can all score and rebound. Heck, although I was skeptical at first, I’d even take a gamble on DeMarcus Cousins.

The possibilities are endless, Doc. But the time to turn this season around is not.

It’s imperative to make a move now.

Otherwise, that “next thing” could very well be your unemployment.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Fan Willing to Push the Panic Button For You

All stats used in this article are accurate as of January 2, 2013

Also check out: Boston Celtics' Midseason Stock Watch

You can follow Sebastian on Twitter at @SP7988